Arsenal vs. Tottenham predictions: Thomas Frank's Spurs given no chance in "unspectacular" North London derby

North London has been red since 2022, but Tottenham Hotspur will finally endeavour to paint the city in a new lick of lilywhite at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The two bitter-most rivals collide in the headline act of Premier League gameweek 12, in which Arsenal could open up an 11-point lead over Thomas Frank's men by coming up trumps on their own turf.

Victory for the men in red and white would also ensure that they maintain an unassailable lead over Manchester City and Chelsea at the top-flight summit, whereas Spurs could potentially sneak into the Champions League spots by harming their hosts' title ambitions.

Ahead of Sunday's mouthwatering derby, the Sports Mole team picks their winner between Arsenal and Tottenham.

Barney Corkhill, Editor - Arsenal

Taking all Premier League games where I am a neutral into account, this was for years my favourite fixture to watch.

The North London derby rarely disappoints and so often throws up thrillers, although admittedly I cannot see that being the case this time around, with set pieces the favoured route of attack for both clubs so far this season.

Both teams can play exciting football, and Spurs may actually favour being away from home in this one given their dreadful home record this season, but I'm expecting this chapter of the North London derby to be a fairly routine, unspectacular 2-0 win for Arsenal.

The Gunners' defensive record is exceptional, and with Tottenham having to cope without some of their most dangerous attackers, it is hard to see them breaching the backline, even with the news of Gabriel's injury.

Spurs haven't won any of their last six North London derbies - a streak that now stretches back more than three-and-a-half years - and I fully expect them to lose a fourth on the bounce for the first time since a run of six between 1987 and 1989.

Matt Law, Football Editor - Arsenal

Football is rarely straightforward, but Arsenal are a better team than Tottenham, and sometimes it is as simple as that.

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The absence of Gabriel Magalhaes is a big blow for the Gunners, but the home side still have more than enough quality to secure all three points in front of their own supporters.

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Tottenham can cause Arsenal problems, and I am expecting Spurs to find the back of the net despite the home team's excellent defensive record, but Mikel Arteta's side should win this one.

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