Tottenham vs Arsenal: Preview, predictions and lineup

The first north London derby of the 2024/25 season comes just four games into the Premier League season, with Tottenham hosting Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs have made a good start to the new season in terms of results, dropping points at Leicester City on the first day and falling short in their exit to Newcastle United. While a 4-0 demolition of Everton earned them their first win of the campaign on matchday two, Ange Postecoglou’s men are yet to hit the mark.

Arsenal made a convincing start to 2024/25 after winning 2-0 at Midlands sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa. However, the drama that plagued Brighton & Hove Albion followed at the Emirates Stadium, with Declan Rice’s red card proving costly as the Gunners drew 1-1.

Of course, there are more than just points to be won this weekend, with both sets of supporters vying for bragging rights come full-time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both meetings last season were high-scoring contests, with a 2-2 draw at the Emirates and a tense 3-2 win for Arsenal in the reverse fixture.

Here it is 90 min bumper guide to the north london derby.

Tottenham vs Arsenal H2H Record (Last Five Matches)

Current form (all competitions)

Having missed Spurs’ last two games with an ankle problem, there is still hope that Dominic Solanke will play in his first game in north London this weekend. However, this English striker is still doubtful about this game.

Solanke’s replacement Richarlison is out with a hamstring injury before the Newcastle defeat, meaning Dejan Kulusevski could be asked to lead the line in a false nine role once again.

Micky van de Ven missed the clash with Newcastle due to a knock and should be in line for an appearance this Sunday, with Radu Dragusin waiting in the wings if the Dutchman isn’t given the go-ahead. Yves Bissouma picked up an injury on international duty and may miss out as a result.

Tottenham predicted to face Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Vicar; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Kulusevski.

Arsenal are without two key players for the trip to Spurs, with Declan Rice suspended after his red card against Brighton and Martin Odegaard sidelined after picking up an ankle injury on international duty. The Norwegian is expected to miss several weeks.

Summer signing Mikel Merino joins Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney in the treatment room, with Gabriel Jesus also a major doubt after missing Arsenal’s last two games with a groin injury. Riccardo Calafiori has also struggled on international duty with Italy but could be fit to feature this weekend.

Thomas Partey will have more responsibility in midfield in Rice’s absence and Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make on how to replace the influential Odegaard.

Raheem Sterling could make his Arsenal debut in the North London derby, with the club failing to register him in time for last time out against Brighton.

Arsenal predicted to face Tottenham (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Party, Jorginho, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Sterling.

North London derbies never fail to bring excitement, fun and mayhem, and Sunday’s iteration is likely to be no different. Both sides have major injury concerns, which only adds to what will be a tense affair.

Arsenal will be the favorites on paper but their weak midfield and possible tactical reshuffle could have a huge impact on their performance in both halves. This one is pretty hard to predict, so we’re sitting on the fence about high-octane drag.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMORS AND GOSSIP