A look at the pundit predictions for this Sunday’s North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal.
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The latest edition of the North London derby is almost upon us, with Tottenham and Arsenal going head-to-head in the home of the former this Sunday. Spurs kick off their new igor Tudor regime in this one, and they are in desperate need of points to pull away from the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Arsenal need to set the record straight after a bruising late draw with Wolves that felt like a momentum-crusher in their Premier League title bid.
This could be an impactful game for both the title race and the relegation battle. Ahead of what should be another juicy derby, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.
Paul Merson
“I'm sitting here and I don't know what happens in this game! I thought I'd never say that, but it is what it is. It was one of Arsenal's worst ever games against Wolves. There were no patterns of play and they never looked like their usual self. Tottenham have a new manager and it's basically a free swing for them in the derby now. If Tottenham lose, no one cares. The pressure is on Arsenal and if Newcastle lose to City, it just adds to it.
“I find it strange that Eberechi Eze did not start as the no.10 against Wolves. He was brought in to do that. Then why did he not start the game? Mikel Arteta used Bukayo Saka as a no.10 instead. He's not suited to play there because he's a proper winger.
“Noni Madueke also started against Wolves and he's very hot and cold. He will do something amazing and the next thing he does would make you go, 'why did he do that?'. Madueke is very direct but he has to mix it up. You can't be direct all the time. He has still done better than what I expected this season though.
“I won't be surprised if Saka goes to the wing and Eze comes on for Madueke in this game. For me, Eze has to play as the no.10 against Spurs. He's good in tight spaces and is better than Saka in that role. I'm expecting Arsenal to win but I won't be shocked if they failed to either. It just seems like they can't open teams up anymore. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Arsenal.”
Chris Sutton
“From what I've read about new Tottenham manager Igor Tudor, he is a guy who goes in at clubs and, in the short term, gets a turn out of his team. Spurs really need that to happen now, because they desperately need a win or two to get out of reach of relegation.
“So, this game is big for them for that reason, and also because they can put another dent in Arsenal's title hopes too. Spurs and their fans have not had a lot to shout about this season, but if they can get something here then this could be a defining moment in their campaign, and affect Arsenal as well. They would love that.
“It was an incredible wobble by Mikel Arteta's team against Wolves, drawing 2-2 after being 2-0 up, and I certainly didn't see it coming. Maybe it is getting to be 'squeaky bum time' for them, but it didn't affect them when they went away to Leeds a couple of weeks ago and won convincingly.
“You can imagine how Spurs will be champing at the bit, and I am expecting them to make a fast start and have a real go at them - but Arsenal have to deal with that, and find a way of bouncing back. I think the Gunners can do that, and their quality will make the difference in the end. I worry about Spurs in forward areas and it will be interesting to see how Tudor lines them up in defence too.
“Ultimately, if Arsenal turn up and play how we know they can, then they will win - and I am expecting them to make a real statement. Prediction: 0-3.”