Sports Mole

Fans and neutrals alike will tune in for an unmissable North London derby between Premier League leaders Arsenal and relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Lilywhites are still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026 in Igor Tudor's first match in charge, while the Gunners could hardly be under more pressure to respond to Wednesday's devastating 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs before derby day.

TOTTENHAM vs. ARSENAL

TOTTENHAM

Out: Cristian Romero (suspended), Wilson Odobert (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (ACL), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Kevin Danso (ankle), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh)

Doubtful: Richarlison (thigh), Pedro Porro (thigh), Dominic Solanke (throat)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

ARSENAL

Out: Mikel Merino (foot)

Doubtful: Martin Odegaard (knee), Kai Havertz (muscle), Max Dowman (ankle)

A highly-anticipated head-to-head that could cease to exist in 2026-27, the North London derby takes centre stage on Sunday afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur host hated rivals Arsenal at their state-of-the-art home.

Igor Tudor will experience the true meaning of a baptism of fire at 4.30pm, when his Tottenham side seek their first Premier League win of 2026 at the ninth attempt, one that will either maintain or increase their five-point lead over the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Arsenal coincidentally enter the weekend with a five-point advantage over Manchester City at the top, albeit having played a game more than the Citizens, who will cut the gap if they get the better of Newcastle United on Saturday night.

Ahead of Sunday's must-watch match, the Sports Mole team selects who they think will come out on top in the North London derby.

Barney Corkhill, Editor - Draw

A few weeks ago, this would have been a pretty straightforward prediction - Arsenal to win.

A lot has changed in recent weeks though, which means we should perhaps not put too much stock in a form book that says Spurs are on their longest winless league run in almost two decades, are the only Premier League side to have not won this calendar year, and are on one of their worst runs ever against Arsenal.

Igor Tudor has arrived and, while there was plenty of uncertainty around that appointment from Tottenham fans, he does have a track record of coming in mid-season and making a pretty immediate impact at a club. There could also be no better fixture than the North London derby for him to get extra buy-in from his players and the fans too.

At the same time, it is becoming harder to argue against the suggestion that Arsenal are beginning to feel the nerves, be that from the outside, from the stands or from the inside of the club.

We shouldn't forget that dropping points in title race is the normal thing - Pep Guardiola's Man City and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool were the anomalies in that sense, and this title race has been more like the majority in Premier League history - but the nature of the draw with Wolves in midweek did seem like something more than the natural dropping of points.

The Gunners have also played three times since Spurs last took to the field, during which their stock has fallen. Tottenham, meanwhile, cannot be at as low an ebb as they were under Thomas Frank, even if Tudor has work to do to win the fans over between now and the end of the season.

I have a sneaky feeling that the first step towards doing that will be this weekend, and I am backing them to come away from the derby with a draw - maybe more.

Matt Law, Football Editor - Draw

Matches between these two sides are always important, but it would be fair to say that there are a number of very interesting side-stories heading into this contest. It's simply a massive football match.

Arsenal really should be winning this, but after everything that has happened, I fancy a draw, which would be another big title blow for the Gunners, with Manchester City given more encouragement.

Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter - Arsenal

Bottle this, bottle that, but Arsenal cannot hide from the accusations forever, especially if they blow a 2-0 lead against potentially the worst team to ever grace the Premier League in 2025-26 Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, the catastrophic events of Wednesday evening will surely serve as a huge wake-up call for Arteta and Arsenal, although whether that extends to an end to their enraging time-wasting tactics remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, Spurs' fitness crisis is showing no signs of abating, and Tudor cannot solve all of their open-play problems overnight, so I still expect Arsenal to prove why they have collected 29 more points than their bitter rivals.

Marvellous Adepoju, Reporter - Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur have a plethora of injuries to contend with and Arsenal will be licking their lips at their opponents' fitness woes.

While I expect the appointment of Igor Tudor to somewhat steady the ship for Spurs, I cannot see the Croatian avoiding defeat in his first assignment.

Anthony Brown, Reporter - Arsenal

Spurs may have given themselves a chance with the managerial change, which gives them an element of surprise.

However, Arsenal are the best side in England — possibly in Europe — at adapting to multiple threats, and that should serve them well in the North London derby, thereby securing Mikel Arteta’s men victory on enemy territory… just.

Carter White, Reporter - Draw

After only managing a share of the spoils from the jaws victory at Championship-bound Wolves on Wednesday night, Arsenal could be just two points clear at the top of the Premier League standings when they visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon, meaning that a nervy encounter appears likely.

In his first match as interim head coach, Igor Tudor will be desperate to make an instant impact on the Premier League stage, with his Spurs troops set to be a tough nut for the Gunners to crack, regardless of the Lilywhites' precarious position in the top-flight relegation battle.

A hard-fought narrow success in N17 for Arsenal this weekend would be the sign of champions' pedigree given their midweek setback in the Black Country, however it could be another frustrating occasion of dropped points on the road for Mikel Arteta's men.

Joshua Cole, Reporter - Arsenal

While Arsenal have faltered since the turn of the year, Tottenham have not fared any better. Given the arrival of Igor Tudor at the helm, this might become trickier than it could have originally been, but the Gunners have more in their arsenal to pick up the win here, especially as Spurs struggle with set pieces.

Nsidibe Akpan, Reporter - Arsenal

A few weeks ago, many would have confidently backed Arsenal to win yet another North London derby, considering Tottenham’s current struggles. However, with Arteta’s men also experiencing a dip in form, this one promises to be a tasty encounter.

Tottenham have a new manager in Tudor, and with him, some level of change and improvement should be expected. Arsenal, on the other hand, have dominated this fixture since Arteta’s arrival and, if they cut out some defensive lapses and click into second gear, the red side of North London should have enough to edge what could be a very tight affair.

Anthony Nolan, Reporter - Tottenham

With the pressure mounting on their bitter rivals, Tottenham will be desperate to deal a devastating blow to Arsenal's title ambitions this weekend.

The Lilywhites will need to weather an initial storm but, as other teams have shown, if they can avoid falling too far behind in the initial stages then they are likely to find opportunities to hurt the Gunners later in the game.

Pedro Ramos, Trivela Coordinator - Draw

I believe that, surprisingly, we will have a draw. League leaders Arsenal are mentally fragile after recent stumbles, with a strangely conservative approach in several matches. Tottenham's home form in the league has been terrible, and I believe Tudor will take advantage of this lack of boldness from their rivals

Oscar Buch, AliareLibre General Editor - Draw

I think both teams are going through a rough patch. But Arsenal are slightly better, despite their history of self-destructive behaviour. I think it will be a draw, unless Bukayo Saka is eager to prove why he signed until 2030 (in which case I’m going for Arsenal).

Ayomide Oguntimehen, Soccernet and Afrik Foot Coordinator - Arsenal

Arsenal are still in the title race, and even a slight slip could cost them their grip at the top of the table — something they will be desperate to avoid. Meanwhile, Tottenham have endured a rough patch this season. However, Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last five matches, while Tottenham have suffered two consecutive Premier League defeats. I believe Arsenal can use this as extra motivation to raise their level.

Romain Lantheaume, Top Mercato and Afrik-Foot Coordinator - Draw

I see this North London derby ending in a draw. Not because I can't pick a winner, but because I imagine it will be a game full of twists and turns, with both teams reacting rather than taking the initiative. Between Arsenal's slight dip in form and the shock effect caused by Spurs' change of coach, I think Tottenham could stand up to the Gunners. Especially with Igor Tudor, who is a coach with character, the boss in the dressing room who knows how to motivate his troops, as we saw here in France during his time at Marseille

Tottenham Hotspur will be at risk of matching a 71-year North London derby worst when they welcome Arsenal for Sunday's Premier League headline encounter.

Igor Tudor kicks off his Spurs reign with the biggest match on the Lilywhites' calendar, one that is especially significant for both sides fighting at opposite ends of the Premier League table.

The Croatian's predecessor Thomas Frank failed to win any of his first eight Premier League matches of 2026, overseeing four draws and four defeats, whereas all other 19 teams have earned at least one top-flight win in the current calendar year.

Tottenham's terrible predicament has left the Europa League winners just five points above the Premier League relegation zone, and there is no question that the hosts are fighting to retain their top-flight status for 2026-27.

Tudor has been brought in to steady the ship over the next few months, but the former Juventus and Lazio manager also inherits a squad who have struggled against their bitter rivals under several head coaches in recent years.

Tottenham aiming to avoid fourth straight home loss vs. Arsenal

Indeed, Tottenham have lost each of their last three Premier League home matches against the Gunners, who triumphed 2-0 in the 2022-23 campaign, 3-2 in 2023-24 and 1-0 in the 2024-25 season.

Should Spurs also take zero points from Sunday's derby, it will mark the first time since 1955 - at White Hart Lane - that they have been beaten in four successive league home games against Arsenal.

In the Premier League era, three straight home defeats represents Tottenham's longest losing run in the North London derby, and the odds are stacked against Tudor's injury-hit squad for Sunday's clash too.

Arsenal made light work of their adversaries in an Eberechi Eze-inspired 4-1 home victory in November, and that result also represented the Gunners' fourth straight Premier League win over their upcoming hosts.

A fifth triumph on the spin would mark Arsenal's best league winning run against Tottenham since 1989, but one particular Tudor statistic offers fresh hope for the Lilywhites.

Igor Tudor's pleasing first-game record ahead of Tottenham vs. Arsenal

The Croatian will become only the second Spurs manager to face Arsenal in their inaugural game, the other being Glenn Hoddle, who oversaw a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Arsene Wenger's Gunners in 2001.

Tudor's appointment was initially met with scepticism and outrage by Tottenham supporters, but the new boss has made a habit of making fast starts with new clubs.

In each of Tudor's last five jobs with Marseille, Juventus, Hellas Verona, Lazio and his second spell with Hajduk Split, the 47-year-old has won his maiden match in all five roles.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set the asking price of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario at €25m (£21.85m).

Spurs are currently preparing for their first game with interim head coach Igor Tudor in charge, a North London derby against Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tudor is tasked with ensuring that Spurs say outside of the Premier League relegation zone, as well as looking to progress as far as possible in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, reports are already emerging as to which players may stay or leave during the summer transfer window.

According to L'Interista, Spurs can expect interest in Vicario from at least one Serie A giant.

Spurs set Vicario asking price

The report suggests that Vicario has been identified as Inter Milan's top target to replace Yann Sommer.

With the Switzerland international having recently turned 37 years of age, there is seemingly an acknowledgement that a successor will soon need to be found.

That is despite the veteran keeping 16 clean sheets from 32 appearances in Italy's top flight and the Champions League this season.

At this point in time, there is no intention to extend Sommer's contract past the end of the current campaign.

As such, interest could soon be rammed up in the younger Vicario, who is said to be valued at just under £22m.

Right time for Spurs to cash in on Vicario?

While there have been times where Vicario has impressed for Spurs, just 18 shutouts have been kept in 88 Premier League appearances.

If Spurs are to progress in the short and long term, such statistics need to improve, and it is understandable if they are assessing alternatives to the five-cap Italy international.

With Vicario now 29 years of age and holding a contract until 2028, the summer may represent Spurs' biggest chance to make a profit on the £17.2m that they shelled out in 2023.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has confirmed one injury boost ahead of the North London derby, as Richarlison is in with a chance of making the cut.

The former Juventus and Marseille boss has inherited Thomas Frank's fitness crisis since replacing his Danish counterpart and revealed that he only had 13 senior players to work with in training on Friday.

The likes of Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert are all sidelined, as is Cristian Romero, who will serve the second of a four-match ban against Arsenal this weekend.

There was little in the way of team news during Tudor's first press conference, during which the Croatian outlined his number one priority for the club ahead of his baptism of fire.

Tudor did reveal that Dominic Solanke should be fine to face Arsenal following a throat problem, but he also admitted that he was not expecting any players back, a slight surprise given that Richarlison was spotted in training during the week.

Tottenham vs. Arsenal: Richarlison back fit for North London derby

However, Tudor's embargoed quotes from Friday's press conference have now been released, and the Lilywhites will be able to count on Richarlison, conflicting the manager's earlier claims.

The game will come too soon for Pedro Porro, though; the Spanish right-back is instead targeting a return for the London derby with Fulham at Craven Cottage next Sunday.

"Richy is back. Tel was there. Others you already know. [Porro] no. Next week," football.london quotes Tudor as saying, as Richarlison gears up for a potential first appearance since January 10, when he sustained his hamstring problem against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

The Brazilian has missed seven games in all competitions with the problem, although he had stayed injury-free in 2025-26 beforehand, registering eight goals and three assists in 31 matches for the Lilywhites.

Richarlison's presence and Solanke's recovery mean that Tudor has four out-and-out strikers available for the North London derby, as Tel and Randal Kolo Muani - who worked with the Croat at Juventus - can also function in the number nine role.

Comparing Richarlison and Dominic Solanke's records against Arsenal

With Odobert, Kulusevski and Kudus all sidelined, one of Spurs' strikers will likely have to act as an emergency winger on Sunday; Tel and Kolo Muani are the best-positioned for such a job.

As a result, Richarlison and Solanke should engage in a straight shootout to lead the line against Mikel Arteta's side, but the latter's record makes for extremely disappointing reading.

Indeed, Solanke has faced Arsenal seven times during his career, has ended up on the losing side all seven times, and has failed to register a single goal or assist against the Gunners.

During Solanke's time at Bournemouth, the Cherries lost eight of their nine Premier League games against Arsenal; the one exception - a 1-1 draw in 2019-20 - came when the striker was an unused substitute.

Richarlison has hardly been prolific against the Gunners either, but the Brazilian has provided three goals and one assist in 15 games vs. Arsenal, including a phenomenal long-range consolation in November's 4-1 defeat at the Emirates.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz have 'big possibilities' to be available for Sunday's Premier League North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.

Neither attacker was able to take part in Wednesday's 2-2 stalemate with Wolverhampton Wanderers due to injury - Odegaard nursing a knee concern and Havertz managing his muscular problem.

The latter was initially expected to miss the derby with his issue as well, although Arteta affirmed before Wolves that he would be in with a chance of featuring against Igor Tudor's men.

Speaking to journalists in his pre-game press conference, Arteta did not directly state that the pair would be fit, but he expressed optimism about their chances of being available for the trip.

"Well, we have to wait until tomorrow but there is a big possibility that they are available for the game," Arteta stated, while also confirming that there were no new issues in the camp.

Tottenham vs. Arsenal: Mikel Arteta has two obvious calls to make

Never one to be committal either way when it comes to team news - unless there is irrefutable proof that a player will not make it - Arteta has at least strongly hinted that Havertz and Odegaard will make the cut for this crucial fixture.

While Havertz may need careful management following his spate of issues, if the Germany international is given the green light to make the squad, his inclusion in the first XI should be in no doubt.

Neither Viktor Gyokeres nor Gabriel Jesus cut the mustard against Wolves in midweek, and it is easy to see both men being marshalled effectively by the rapid Micky van de Ven.

Havertz can certainly not outpace the Dutchman, but his movement and intelligence can cause havoc in the Tottenham penalty area, starting as either a centre-forward or playmaker.

However, Odegaard's presence also means that Arteta can field Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side again, and having the combo of Saka-Odegaard-Havertz back again is very promising indeed.

Arsenal receive additional double boost for North London derby

In addition to delivering the latest on Havertz and Odegaard, Arteta also confirmed that Leandro Trossard would be fine despite a blow to the face against Wolves.

The Belgian was substituted in the dying embers of that encounter - when Arsenal were still 2-1 up - in what was seen as a time-wasting ploy by the home side, but he has not had to follow concussion protocols.

In addition, there was no mention of any concern for Saka, who was unable to complete the full 90 at Molineux as a result of a knock but will ostensibly be OK for the trip to Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the surprise appointment of former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea man Bruno Saltor to Igor Tudor's coaching team.

Following his arrival as Thomas Frank's successor, Tudor has been busy formulating his backroom staff, and those appointments have now been confirmed.

Earlier this week, it was reported that John Heitinga - who had only been part of Tottenham's ranks for a little over a month - was among the coaches to leave, alongside Justin Cochrane and Chris Haslam.

Tottenham announced on Friday morning that those reported changes had been made, but at the same time, Tudor has welcomed Bruno to Hotspur Way as his right-hand man.

The former Lazio and Juventus manager was expected to bring his trusted lieutenant Igor Javorcic to North London with him, but the 47-year-old has not yet been confirmed as part of Tottenham's new setup.

Who is new Tottenham coach Bruno Saltor?

A legendary figure in the history of Brighton, former right-back Bruno spent seven years on the South Coast from 2012 to 2019, before hanging up his boots and taking on the role of development coach with the Seagulls.

Bruno spent three years in a coaching capacity with Brighton from 2019 to 2022, before following Graham Potter to Chelsea, where he also served under Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino as assistant manager.

In between Potter's departure and Lampard's temporary appointment in 2022-23, Bruno was placed in temporary charge of Chelsea for one match, overseeing a goalless draw with Liverpool as caretaker manager.

Following nearly two years out of the game, Bruno returned to the English capital with Potter at West Ham United, serving as Irons assistant manager from January to September last year.

Which other coaches will join Igor Tudor at Tottenham?

Bruno is one of three new appointments to the Tottenham coaching team - excluding Tudor - as the Croatian's trusted goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic has also signed a deal with the Lilywhites.

However, existing goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte will stay on to work with Rogic, as well as the shot-stopping team of Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin.

Riccardo Raganacci is the third and final new man to be confirmed as part of Tudor's team - the 49-year-old will serve as a physical coach having worked in tandem with Tudor at Juventus.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is optimistic of having skipper Martin Odegaard available for Sunday's Premier League North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Gunners captain has sat out their last two matches owing to a blow to the knee, including the disastrous 2-2 stalemate with basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.

However, Arteta stressed before the game that he was "very hopeful" of having Odegaard available for Sunday's encounter, where the ex-Real Madrid starlet will be expected to lead the team out if given the green light.

Arteta has unearthed a new gem during Odegaard's absence - Bukayo Saka in the 10 - but the Englishman could now return to the right-hand side after Noni Madueke's ineffective midweek display.

Kai Havertz is more of a doubt with his muscle problem, though, so it should be a straight shootout between Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus for the striker's spot - a battle the Swede should win after both were as poor as each other in midweek.

Leandro Trossard also came off with a blow to the head at Molineux, and while it is not clear whether he is following concussion protocols or not, Gabriel Martinelli is primed to start on the left-hand side.

Arteta should keep faith with his defensive-minded players, though, as Piero Hincapie keeps Riccardo Calafiori at bay following his first Gunners goal during the week.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Igor Tudor takes charge of his first Tottenham Hotspur game on Sunday afternoon, when the Lilywhites host North London derby rivals Arsenal in a Premier League baptism of fire.

The Croatian's outfit will be the furthest thing from full strength for his maiden match in charge, as at least 10 Tottenham players will miss out through injury or suspension, including the banned Cristian Romero.

Had the latter not taken the walk of shame at Old Trafford, Tudor could have instilled his trademark 3-4-2-1 shape straight away, but a lack of options means that he will surely be forced to field a back four for the derby.

Radu Dragusin and Micky van de Ven will shield Guglielmo Vicario in the hosts' rearguard, which should also feature Archie Gray and Djed Spence in the full-back areas, unless Pedro Porro recovers from a thigh injury in time to displace the former.

Tudor can at least make one unenforced change in midfield, where Joao Palhinha will surely step in for Yves Bissouma, who started the 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in Thomas Frank's final game but was withdrawn during the break.

Wilson Odobert has now joined the long-term injury list with the ACL rupture he sustained in that contest, but again, Tudor's attacking situation is not so disastrous thanks to the presence of Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani.

The latter's relationship with Tudor from their time at Juventus could work in his favour, as the Frenchman joins Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons in the final third, but Richarlison is also back in training and could be an alternative option.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

North London derby day is almost upon us once again, and Sunday's blockbuster between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal carries extra significance for both bitter adversaries.

Igor Tudor will experience the true definition of a baptism of fire as Spurs head coach this weekend, while his opposite number Mikel Arteta is facing the dreaded bottle accusation again.

Match preview

It was hitherto inconceivable to imagine a Premier League season without Tottenham and Arsenal locking horns, but if Tudor cannot arrest Spurs' pitiful plight down the top-flight standings, the North London derby may cease to exist for 2026-27.

The now-unemployed Thomas Frank was - belatedly in the eyes of many a home supporter - given the boot after his injury-ravaged side were taken down 2-1 by Newcastle United in their most recent top-flight affair, a result that left the Europa League holders just five points above the relegation zone.

No Tottenham fan is under the illusion that their side is not in a relegation battle, especially as the hosts are the only team without a Premier League victory so far in 2026, taking just four points from 24 on offer.

But this is where Tudor comes in; the former Lazio, Marseille and Juventus head coach - whose time with the latter ended prematurely - has the job of steadying the ship for the remainder of the season, and history suggests that the Croatian could immediately get into the fans' good books.

Indeed, Tudor has won his first game in charge of each of his last five clubs - including a second spell at Hajduk Split - but he inherits a Tottenham squad with the third-worst Premier League home record in the current campaign, featuring a paltry two wins.

Speaking of twos, fearful Arsenal fans up and down the land are now reliving the same silver-medal nightmare, after their side catastrophically dropped two points to a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who could be relegated with the lowest-ever Premier League points total.

A 2-2 draw was arguably the least that the Old Gold deserved too, as Mikel Arteta's men inexplicably gifted possession back to the basement boys time and time again, while trying and failing spectacularly to run down the Molineux clock.

Arsenal remain in control of their title destiny, but their increasingly vulnerable advantage over Manchester City - whose fate is also in their own hands ahead of April's Etihad blockbuster with the Gunners - will be reduced to just two points if the Sky Blues win their game in hand.

Dropped points on the road have become an unhealthy habit for the league leaders, who have now won just three of their nine Premier League games on rival territory, but their North London derby dominance has been unquestioned over the past few years.

Indeed, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games with Spurs, have won their last three at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and made light work of their rivals in a 4-1 Eberechi Eze-inspired Emirates embarrassment back in November.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Arsenal Premier League form:

Arsenal form (all competitions):

Team News

Good news from the medical room has been in limited supply for Spurs all season, but Tudor has at least welcomed Richarlison back into first-team training, while Pedro Porro (thigh) has not been definitively ruled out either.

However, Wilson Odobert is out for the season after rupturing his ACL against Newcastle, joining Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (ACL), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Kevin Danso (ankle), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle) and Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh) in an overcrowded infirmary.

Cristian Romero will also serve the second of a four-match ban on Sunday, putting paid to Tudor's hopes of implementing his favoured back three system straight away, but he can at least call upon ex-Juve favourite Randal Kolo Muani to replace Odobert.

Nowhere near as hard hit on the fitness front, Arsenal may be boosted by no fewer than three returns on Sunday, as Martin Odegaard (knee), Kai Havertz (muscle) and Max Dowman (ankle) are all in with chances of making the squad - the former a particularly good chance.

Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were both casualties of the draw with Wolves, though; there is not any major concern over the former's knock, but the latter is more of a worry after coming off with a blow to the head.

Saka excelled as a number 10 yet again on Wednesday, but as there is significant hope over Odegaard's availability, the Englishman could revert to right-wing duties as Noni Madueke drops out after an underwhelming midweek performance.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Arsenal

If Wednesday's result has not given Arsenal the kick up the backside they need to get their title bid back on track, nothing will. All the frustration, the rage, the desolation that the Gunners felt in midweek - they must channel that energy into an utterly fascinating North London derby.

In the home corner, Tottenham also have all the motivation they require to prevail; from harming Arsenal's title bid to staving off any increasing demotion fears in Tudor's inaugural game in charge.

However, the hosts' injury crisis and appalling home record is too difficult to ignore, and we still have faith in Arsenal to add a fresh lick of red paint to North London in this weekend's main event.