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Arsenal beat Tottenham as Gabriel steals three points after three stars struggle

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Gabriel was the hero for Arsenal as they secured bragging rights over Tottenham in the north London derby.

The Brazil international nodded a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario in the 64th minute after he had managed to easily break free from Cristian Romero.

In the absence of several key players, namely Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, the Gunners were forced to show their defensive resilience throughout the match in a performance full of heart and courage, which certainly will please Mikel Arteta.

Express Sport looks at five key talking points from a fierce encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

Arteta sent Spurs warning ahead of corner goal

Arsenal’s set-pieces have been vital in their progress over the past few seasons, and Arteta warned Tottenham ahead of kick-off that his side would continue to focus on exploiting their height in those areas – even without usual taker Rice. The Spaniard was proven right too, with Gabriel’s header evidencing his claims.

Speaking earlier this week, he said: “It's a very specific phase of play but if we were only dependent on one player, then we would have a problem. We haven't built our methodology or our way of attacking or defending any phase of play in that way. So we are going to adapt to whatever players that we have and we will still be very efficient."

Three stars struggle for Arteta

Arteta will be very pleased with how his side performed on the whole against Spurs, though three players did struggle throughout the clash. Gabriel Martinelli continues to appear drained of confidence and wasted several key opportunities to create openings on the counter-attack with sloppy passes, and his tame shot from close range in the first-half highlighted his general lack of belief.

Leandro Trossard and Jorginho were tasked with replacing Odegaard and Rice in the derby but both struggled to make their mark, with the latter slowing down the match at key times and losing possession inside his own half on several occasions. With Odegaard expected to be sidelined for a matter of weeks, Trossard will need to improve if he is to retain his spot in the Gunners’ starting 11.

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Why are Arsenal wearing away kit rather than red vs Tottenham?

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Arsenal will not be wearing their traditional home kit in today's north London derby for the first time in nearly four decades. Mikel Arteta's side will make the short trip across the capital to face their greatest rivals, with the local bragging rights firmly on the line.

In years gone by, Arsenal have worn their usual red and white against Tottenham but that will not be the case today. They will be playing in their black away strip after being banned from wearing their traditional colours by PGMOL and the Premier League.

It was determined that Arsenal's home kit features too much white, which would clash with Tottenham's home colours. The Gunners requested to wear red shorts and socks in order to reach a compromise, but the powers that be were unwilling to budge.

As a result, they will be wearing their all-black away kit at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon. It will be the first time Arsenal have not worn their home colours in a north London derby since 1985/86, when they donned a yellow and blue strip.

They will be hoping to maintain their winning record in their new away kit, having beaten Aston Villa while wearing it last month. The shirt combines a black base with red, white and green trim as a tribute to former Arsenal players David Rocastle and Ian Wright.

The colours previously featured in a limited edition trainer, which was designed to celebrate the friendship between the two club legends. The shoe was named the Honor Oak in reference to the area of London in which both players grew up.

Arsenal's away shirt is matched with black shorts and black socks, giving it a sleek aesthetic. It remains to be seen if it will prove to be a lucky charm when the Gunners face Tottenham on away soil later today.

They will need to find a way to win in the absence of Declan Rice, who is suspended following his red card against Brighton. Martin Odegaard is also a major doubt after picking up an injury while on international duty with Norway in midweek.

If both players are ruled out of the fixture, Jorginho and Thomas Partey will be ready to deputise in the middle of the park. Kai Havertz could also move further back into a creative role with Leandro Trossard able to operate as a central striker when required.

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Richarlison 'leaks' Tottenham team news against Arsenal in message to team-mate

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Tottenham forward Richarlison has seemingly revealed that Dominic Solanke will return to the side for the north London derby. The club's record signing has missed Spurs' last two matches with the ankle injury he picked up in the draw at Leicester on the opening weekend of the season.

But manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed the £65million man is back in full training and available for Sunday's visit of Arsenal.

And if the social media activity of his Brazilian team-mate is anything to go by, Solanle will go straight back into the starting XI.

Marking his 27th birthday on Instagram. Solanke wrote: "Thank you Lord for another year. Thanks for all the love and messages." His post included praying hands and white heart emojis.

Richarlison unwittingly responded with "Sonny will give you a gift tomorrow bro." He added a smiling emoji, with his words strongly suggesting Solanke will partner the club's South Korean captain up front for the huge clash.

The ex-Everton man won't be involved himself. He came off the bench late at Leicester and in the win over his former club the following week Everton, but missed the defeat at Newcastle having picked up an an unspecified injury in training.

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The issue is set to keep him out for a number of weeks. But without even being involved in the fixture, he's now risked the wrath of Postecoglou who is likely to be irate at a key selection seemingly being revealed.

Noticeably, the Tottenham social media team had not posted any material containing Solanke this week, despite his manager revealing he had recovered from his injury. The ploy had seemingly kept fans guessing as to whether the one-cap England international would be included from the start or as a substitute.

Spurs failed to beat their arch rivals in either of the league clashes under their Australian manager last season, but supporters are now eyeing a huge opportunity. The Gunners will arrive without Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and skipper Martin Odegaard in what appears a midfield crisis.

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But Postecoglou has warned against complacency. In his pre-match press conference on Friday, he argued: "That's a hell of a trap to fall into, if you think they are reliant on two players (Rice and Odegaard).

"If we go in there thinking they are somehow weakened, we are going to get punished. If we go into it thinking they are going to be very strong, which I think they will be, then we have got to be at our best."

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Tottenham hold Martin Odegaard injury suspicions ahead of derby against Arsenal

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Tottenham reportedly have doubts over the severity of Martin Odegaard's injury, despite the Arsenal midfielder being seen on crutches this week.

The Gunners face a midfield crisis ahead of Sunday's fiery north London Derby. After being given his marching orders in Arsenal's stalemate with Brighton last month, Declan Rice misses out, while Mikel Merino is injured and Odegaard might also be on the unavailable list.

Merino faces about two months out following a fractured shoulder incurred during his first training session with the club, and Odegaard is tipped to be sidelined for three weeks after suffering an ankle during Norway's match against Austria.

However, according to the Independent, insiders at Spurs harbour questions about how severe Odegaard's condition truly is, contemplating if he could make an appearance in tomorrow's derby.

Their scepticism arose after Arsenal delayed releasing information on the injury, even though scan findings would have been available as early as Wednesday.

Adding to the intrigue, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta played coy ahead of the derby. "We need some more tests", he said. "Let's see what happens in the next day or so. He is super positive about everything. Martin wants to be there every single day.

Arteta is reportedly considering a daring tactical switch-up for the upcoming clash, with injury concerns over Odegaard. The Gunners may adopt a more reserved approach against Tottenham, aiming to soak up pressure and strike on the break.

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The potential shift in strategy would see Arsenal relinquish their usual 55-60% possession stats in favour of letting Spurs control the game, a move that could catch their rivals off guard.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have fitness updates of their own, with Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven tipped to make a return. However, Yves Bissouma's availability remains uncertain after he suffered an injury during Mali's recent match.

Ange Postecoglou said" "He [Bissouma] has got a bit of an issue, but we'll have a look at him over the next couple of days and see how it settles."

Spurs will also be without Richarlison, as Postecoglou confirmed the forward "still has a bit of work to do" before he's back to peak condition.

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'I was let go as a BBC pundit - I put the decision down to pure ageism'

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Ex-Tottenham boss David Pleat has claimed his time as a BBC pundit was cut short due to age discrimination. The seasoned manager, who took the helm at Luton, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday, became a familiar voice on BBC Radio Five Live, earning plaudits for his insightful analysis and eloquent turn of phrase.

After his final spell managing Spurs in 2004 - though he would later return in a different capacity - Pleat juggled consultancy and scouting with his broadcasting career until the BBC abruptly let him go. Pleat, 79, put the decision down to "pure ageism" in an interview with The Telegraph. The BBC declined to comment when approached by the Express.

Pleat also felt he was the victim of changing times back at Tottenham, where he had been a consultant scout since 2010. Addressing his recent departure from the club he has had such a long connection with, he said: "I was called in and informed, 'It's all data-driven now we don't need eyes and ears'.

“What nonsense! Data is all well and good when it enhances eyes and ears, not replaces them. I didn’t argue.”

Reflecting on his managerial peak in the 1980s, Pleat was known for his hands-on approach and commitment to attractive, attacking play with Luton, Spurs and Leicester. Today's football landscape, however, favours head coaches who concentrate solely on the first team, supported by extensive backroom staff and hierarchies.

"There are so many processes," said Pleat. "You recommend a player and it has to go through a recruitment person, then the head of recruitment, then the director of football, then the manager, then the chairman.

“But do you know who has the last say? The bank manager. I think there’s too many voices now. Peter Taylor [the former Nottingham Forest assistant manager who worked alongside Brian Clough] once told me that when it comes to making a decision, two’s company three’s a crowd.”

Despite his advancing years, Pleat asserts he isn't done with the game, adding: "Two or three people have spoken to me about things. We'll see.

"But I'm not finished. How can I step away? When it comes to football, I'm afraid I'm a total obsessive."

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Tottenham team news: Predicted XI vs Arsenal with Solanke and Van de Ven decisions made

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Tottenham will be desperate to secure a morale-boosting victory in the first north London derby of the new Premier League campaign. They have not beaten Arsenal in almost two years but will fancy their chances of securing all three points on Sunday afternoon.

Ange Postecoglou's side have only taken four points from their opening three matches and were beaten by Newcastle before the international break. However, there is plenty of optimism ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal missing Declan Rice, while Martin Odegaard is a huge doubt.

Express Sport takes a look at how Tottenham could line up...

Tottenham predicted XI vs Arsenal (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper - Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario will retain his place between the sticks as Tottenham's first-choice goalkeeper. He has performed well in spite of their patchy form, only conceding three goals in as many Premier League games.

He will have his toughest test of the campaign when he is tasked with keeping out the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz on Sunday.

Defence - Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie

Tottenham will be boosted by the return of Micky van de Ven in central defence following his injury in the win over Everton. He missed the defeat to Newcastle but Postecoglou confirmed on Friday that he would be ready to play against Arsenal.

"Micky's good, he's trained all the way through the international break and it was good for him to stay with us to build him back up so he's ready to go," said the Aussie.

The rest of Tottenham's back four is likely to be unchanged with Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie all set to feature.

Midfield - Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison

Tottenham's midfield trio of Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison is likely to remain untouched for the visit of Arsenal. Yves Bissouma could be forced to miss the match after picking up a groin injury while on international duty with Mali.

Discussing his fitness levels, Postecoglou said: "Everyone's reporting all well except for Biss. He's got a bit of an issue, but we'll have a look at him over the next couple of days and see how it settles.

"It’s not serious, but he’s getting treatment today. We’ll see how it goes. It’s a tweak in his groin. The initial reports is it’s not serious which means there is a chance for Sunday, but if he doesn’t make Sunday then I’ll assume he’ll be right for after that."

Attack - Son, Johnson, Solanke

Dominic Solanke could also feature in Tottenham's starting line-up after recovering from an ankle problem. He returned to training earlier this week and is likely to be thrown straight in, given the difference he will make to Tottenham's hopes of victory.

The former Bournemouth man will almost certainly be supported by Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min in the wide positions. Richarlison will not be involved after picking up an injury in training, which could keep him out of action for a number of weeks.

Tottenham predicted XI vs Arsenal (4-3-3) - Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Son, Johnson, Solanke.

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Arsenal predicted XI vs Spurs as Sterling, Martinelli, Trossard decisions made

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Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will be looking to shake off their disappointing draw against Brighton last time out when they return to action against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners are aiming to make it three wins on the bounce at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Arteta’s preparations were rocked when Martin Odegaard picked up an injury on international duty during the week.

It’s left Arteta scratching his head looking for a solution in midfield, given Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are also set to miss the clash.

Ahead of Sunday’s encounter, Express Sport have predicted how Arsenal could set up against Spurs.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Raya

The only constant in Arsenal’s team at the moment, David Raya will start between the sticks for the visitors.

Although having shipped two goals away to Spurs last season, the Spaniard will be hoping for a more convincing afternoon this weekend.

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Defence: White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber

Despite the injury crisis in front of the defence, Arteta should still be able to select a first-choice backline.

William Saliba returned injury-free from international duty, while regular partner Gabriel is also fit and firing to go.

Getting hurt playing for his country isn’t something Ben White has to worry about at the moment, with the Englishman set to start in his usual spot on the right-hand side of defence.

Leaving left-back the only spot left to fill - a position Jurrien Timber is expected to occupy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Midfield: Jorginho, Partey, Havertz

Speculation on social media has been rife this week about the possible routes Arteta might go down to fix Arsenal’s midfield problem, with talk teenager Ethan Nwaneri could be handed his first-ever Premier League start.

But given the magnitude of the contest, we’re predicting Arteta sticks with his (albeit limited) tried and tested options, starting with a double pivot of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Partey has started all three Premier League games this season so could be considered a shoo-in already, while Champions League and European Championship winner Jorginho has the experience to handle the biggest of stages.

As for the final spot in Arteta’s midfield three, we’re predicting that goes to Kai Havertz.

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Attack: Saka, Trossard, Sterling

The only certainty in attack for Arsenal, should he stay fit, is Bukayo Saka, with the winger having scored in both home and away fixtures last season.

Operating down the middle, given Havertz is in the No.10 role, could end up being Leonardo Trossard, who deputised in that position at times last season.

Finally then, what better way for Raheem Sterling to mark his Arsenal arrival than having a say in the north London derby.

When quizzed on his potential involvement, Arteta said: “First of all, because he’s got a big smile on his face, a lot of energy, he’s at it and wants to prove a point. When someone’s got that in his belly, you sense it straight away.

"Obviously I don’t need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team."

He’s our pick to start off the left, meaning Gabriel Martinelli remains on the bench.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Spurs: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Sterling

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Tottenham eye England breakout star but transfer target has already named preferred move

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"I felt that had I stayed, there wouldn’t be a lot of opportunities for me. Luis Campos [Lille's then sporting director] and Lille spoke about their project and I believed in it even more, that’s what convinced me to move - the faith Lille had in me.

"Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it’s home. I would love to come back. But you never know in football. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. I can’t predict what will happen in the future."

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'Tottenham sold me for record fee and now I’m a pro basketball player in Spain'

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Etienne Capoue has turned his back on football to take up a new sport, nine years after Watford paid a club-record fee to sign him from Tottenham. The 36-year-old was released by Villarreal at the end of last season and did not manage to find a new club over the summer.

Capoue was linked with a return to Watford earlier this year but has since traded goal nets for basketball nets in an unexpected turn of events. According to Relevo, he is currently training with Spanish third-division basketball team CB Jovens L’Eliana, who are based near Valencia.

The former France international recently took part in a friendly match, with his new side claiming a 78-70 victory against CB Morvedre. However, the report states that he is ineligible to take part in any official games because he does not yet have a licence.

It remains to be seen if Capoue will continue to pursue a career in basketball or if he will return to football at some point down the line. If he manages to earn a professional contract with Jovens L’Eliana, it will fulfil a childhood dream of his.

Capoue discussed his love of basketball last year and hinted that a potential career change was on the cards, saying: "My dream as a child was to play NBA basketball. Clearly, that was my dream. But it’s still my dream, eh? I don’t know."

The midfielder began his football career as a youth prospect at French side Angers before securing a move to Toulouse shortly before his 18th birthday. After breaking into their senior squad and impressing with his displays in midfield, he joined Tottenham in the summer of 2013.

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Capoue spent two years in north London but struggled to make the grade and was eventually sold to Premier League rivals Watford. They paid a club-record fee of around £6.3million for his signature, with Capoue going on to make 181 appearances for the Hornets in all competitions.

He joined Villarreal in 2021 before helping them to win their first and only major trophy in their 101-year existence, starting in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United. He played 148 times for the Spanish club before he was released at the end of last season.

Capoue also won seven international caps for France but has not played for his country since 2013 after falling out of favour under Didier Deschamps.

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Tottenham vs Arsenal predictions as five pundits rule Mikel Arteta set for misery

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An injury-ridden Arsenal’s first real test of their title credentials will likely come away to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, with the Gunners being tipped to struggle against their north London rivals.

Martin Odegaard is the latest Arsenal absentee, with the Norwegian joining fellow midfielders Declan Rice (suspended) and Mikel Merino (injured) on the missing list.

And ahead of the first derby clash of the season, Mikel Arteta has been told he could be in for a long afternoon against Spurs on Sunday.

Ex-Spurs boss tips former club to edge five-goal thriller

Ex-Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood is expecting goals and plenty of them when the two capital clubs face off.

During a chat with OLBG, Sherwood said: “Heading into the North London Derby, I’d have to lean towards Tottenham…

“I think it would be tight because they're two quality teams and Arsenal have done brilliantly in recent years. Mikel has done an unbelievable job with them.

“But just with the injuries and the home advantage for Tottenham, I'm just going to say that it will be a thriller that ends 3-2 to Tottenham.”

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Arsenal now underdogs ahead of north London derby

Former player turned pundit Mark Lawrenson even went as far as saying Arsenal, because of their injury predicament, are now the ‘underdogs’ heading into the north London derby.

Rice and Odegaard started all but three Premier League matches together last season, winning two and losing one.

Speaking to PaddyPower, the ex-Liverpool man claimed: “Arsenal missing Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard makes them underdogs going into the North London Derby.

“They’re both top players and out of all the players in that team, they’re two of the top three.”

Neville and Carragher expecting a Tottenham result

Meanwhile, Sky Sports duo Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have both admitted that Tottenham should fancy their chances too.

Neville told the Stick to Football podcast: “I just think that Arsenal could have a couple of players, well, they got a couple of players out, big players, Declan Rice and Odegaard probably, so I think that will harm them. They are massive players for Arsenal.”

Before Carragher added: “I think Tottenham will dominate the game, but Arsenal’s defence will make sure they get something from the game.”

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Redknapp still fancies Arsenal to have a major say

But it isn’t all doom and gloom for Arteta, with Harry Redknapp, once of Tottenham, still backing the Premier League hopefuls to come away with at least a point.

On the upcoming contest, the Englishman said to BetVictory: “I can’t wait for this one, year on year, this game delivers some classics. I had some memorable games against Arsenal in my time as Tottenham boss, I loved this derby…

“I can see goals and a lot of drama. If Odegaard is out, which it looks like he will be, it’s hard for me to predict an Arsenal win. 2-2.”

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Tottenham vs Arsenal predictions as five pundits rule Mikel Arteta set for misery

An injury-ridden Arsenal’s first real test of their title credentials will likely come away to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, with the Gunners being tipped to struggle against their north London rivals.

Martin Odegaard is the latest Arsenal absentee, with the Norwegian joining fellow midfielders Declan Rice (suspended) and Mikel Merino (injured) on the missing list.

And ahead of the first derby clash of the season, Arteta has been told he could be in for a long afternoon against Spurs on Sunday.

Ex-Spurs boss tips former club to edge five-goal thriller

Ex-Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood is expecting goals and plenty of them when the two capital clubs face off.

During a chat with OLBG, Sherwood said: “Heading into the North London Derby, I’d have to lean towards Tottenham…

“I think it would be tight because they're two quality teams and Arsenal have done brilliantly in recent years. Mikel has done an unbelievable job with them.

“But just with the injuries and the home advantage for Tottenham, I'm just going to say that it will be a thriller that ends 3-2 to Tottenham.”

Arsenal now underdogs ahead of north London derby

Former player turned pundit Mark Lawrenson even went as far as saying Arsenal, because of their injury predicament, are now the ‘underdogs’ heading into the north London derby.

Rice and Odegaard started all but three Premier League matches together last season, winning two and losing one.

Speaking to Paddypower, the ex-Liverpool man claimed: “Arsenal missing Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard makes them underdogs going into the North London Derby.

“They’re both top players and out of all the players in that team, they’re two of the top three.”

Neville and Carragher expecting a Tottenham result

Whereas Sky Sports duo Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have both admitted Tottenham should fancy their chances too.

Neville told the Stick to Football podcast: “I just think that Arsenal could have a couple of players, well, they got a couple of players out, big players, Declan Rice and Odegaard probably, so I think that will harm them. They are massive players for Arsenal.”

Before Carragher added: “I think Tottenham will dominate the game, but Arsenal’s defence will make sure they get something from the game.”

Redknapp still fancies Arsenal to have a major say

But it isn’t all doom and gloom for Arteta, with Harry Redknapp, once of Tottenham, still backing the Premier League hopefuls to come away with at least a point.

On the upcoming contest, the Englishman said to BetVictory: “I can’t wait for this one, year on year, this game delivers some classics. I had some memorable games against Arsenal in my time as Tottenham boss, I loved this derby…

“I can see goals and a lot of drama. If Odegaard is out, which it looks like he will be, it’s hard for me to predict an Arsenal win. 2-2.”

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