Tottenham take on Arsenal in the much-awaited North London derby at the Emirates Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur travel across the capital to face fiercest rivals Arsenal in the 2024/25 campaign’s second instalment of the North London derby on Wednesday evening.
Spurs have simply not been good enough in the Premier League and are already a staggering 16 points behind the Gunners. Ange Postecoglou’s side are 12th in the table and winless in their last four Premier League games, with the last top-flight victory coming at Southampton in December.
However, they managed to get some momentum with back-to-back wins in cup competitions. The Lilywhites edged Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final last week before beating non-league side Tamworth FC in extra-time in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
On the flip side, Arsenal have lost consecutive cup games to Newcastle United and Manchester United, respectively. Their confidence is a bit fragile at the moment, with Mikel Arteta’s team lacking flair and creativity to unlock defences in recent games in the injury absence of star winger Bukayo Saka.
-> Postecoglou senses Arsenal ‘opportunity’ as Tottenham aim to salvage 2024-25 campaign
BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has now dropped his North London derby prediction. He thinks Arsenal will see off Tottenham 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, lacking confidence in the visitors’ defence despite their recent improved performances of late.
“Arsenal have had a bad week and right now it looks like Tottenham have a better chance of winning a trophy this season than they do,” Chris Sutton made his prediction on BBC Sport.
“People are quite rightly pointing out that the Gunners are missing chances and, with Bukayo Saka out injured, they are just lacking that spark in attack.
“Having said all that, maybe they will find it again here, because I think the way Spurs play will suit Arsenal.
“By that, I mean Mikel Arteta’s side can soak up pressure and counter-attack, and even without Saka or a recognised centre-forward, I think they will get chances in this game. It is whether they take them this time. I am backing them to stick a couple away.
“Of course, this derby is really important to Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham in their situation, but the expansive way they play means it is a tall order to expect an unfamiliar defence and new goalkeeper to step up again.
“I do see Spurs scoring, but they give up a lot of chances. Arsenal have to win this game to hang on in the title race, and I think they will.”
Spurs have an awful record against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Lilywhites have only one of the last eight matches between the two sides, with our last victory at the Emirates in the Premier League coming in 2010.
-> Ange Postecoglou confirms injury to 28-year-old Tottenham star adding to his woes
Big Ange is ready for the stiff challenge across the capital and has been handed an injury boost in the form of Richarlison ahead of the derby. Tottenham may be among the division’s top scorers but have had games away from home when their attacking unit has faltered. The 0-0 scoreline in regulation time against Tamworth FC in the FA Cup was a recent example when Big Ange’s men became frustrated with unlocking a low block.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
While Arsenal would offer a completely different test than their recent games against Brighton, Liverpool and Tamworth, Spurs will need their big guns such as Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison to step up and deliver on the big night. Every single player on the pitch must bring their A-game to the floor if we are to beat Arteta’s boys on their perch and put a dent in their title hopes.
