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ToggleSpurs are looking to end a miserable run against the Gunners and the 198th north London derby provides the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the league leaders.
Teams’ Form and Recent Performances
Arsenal
Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League standings with 26 points following eight wins, two draws and a loss.
Also Read: Tottenham Can Compete With Arsenal –Frank
The Gunners have been scintillating all season across all competitions with the defeat to Liverpool in September their only loss so far.
Mikel Arteta’s side did not concede a single goal in consecutive eight games, however, they shipped in two in their last match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light which ended 2-2 prior to the international break.
Tottenham
Tottenham’s last two league matches saw them host Chelsea and Manchester United. Thomas Frank’s side lost 1-0 to the Blues courtesy of Joao Pedro, who capitalised on Spurs’ mistake at the back.
The matchup with Manchester United ended 2-2 with the away side racing to a one goal lead in the first half thanks to Bryan Mbeumo’s header.
Tottenham scored two late goals through Mathys Tel and Richarlison to take the lead before Matthijs de Ligt popped up with a header late in the game to restore parity for the Red Devils.
Head-To-Head Record
Arsenal and Tottenham have met 197 times with the Gunners recording victories on 84 occasions to Spurs’ 61, while 52 matches have ended in draws.
Also Read: North London Derby: Arteta Provides Injury Update On Gabriel, Calafiori
Arsenal have won each of their last three games against the 2024/25 Europa League winners. In fact, Spurs have won just two of their last 10 meetings with their arch-rivals.
Key Players Analysis
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka
Saka often turns out to be a thorn in the flesh for Tottenham as they are one of the teams he loves playing against. The 24-year-old has three goals and three assists in 10 matches against the Lilywhites.
Saka’s dribbling ability, close ball control, intelligent movements and stepovers to unbalance defenders and create space for himself and his teammates could prove vital for Arsenal on Sunday.
His six goals has helped Arteta’s side maintain an incredible start to the season.
Declan Rice
Rice is another vital member of the Arsenal’s team with his strong defensive qualities which include tackling, ball winning and positional awareness. He also possesses the ability to make imperious dead ball deliveries which has been a crucial element in the Gunners’ tactics.
The 26-year-old has contributed two goals and five assists which also signals his influence in the team’s attack.
Tottenham
Richarlison
Richarlison has filled in well for Spurs in the absence of Dominic Solanke due to injury.
The 28-year-old has a respectable two goals and an assist against Arsenal. He has netted four goals and supplied two assists for his teammates so far this term and his pace, strength, and versatility could come in handy for Frank’s side as they seek to end their winless run against the Gunners.
Mohammed Kudus
Kudus has been a revelation for Tottenham since his high-profile summer move from West Ham United for a reported fee of £60 million.
Also Read: Injured Spurs Star In Line To Make Surprise Return Against Arsenal
The Ghana international has scored a goal and provided four assists.
The 25-year-old’s powerful dribbling, close ball control, and ability to create chances can cause damage to a resilient Arsenal’s defence.
Team News
Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to miss this encounter after suffering an injury during an international duty with Brazil. Several reports claimed he is likely going to miss more than a month of action.
Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are in line to replace the 27-year-old, who has been vital for Arsenal.
Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber after they were forced off in their respective nations’ World Cup qualifying campaign.
Arteta is expected to provide an update on the defensive duo coupled with Viktor Gyokeres, who has missed the last two matches for the Gunners.
The Spanish tactician is hopeful of having Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli back ahead of the clash.
Tottenham
Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani, Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma have all been sidelined for this match.
Lucas Bergvall, who has missed the last two games due to concussion is expected to return after representing Sweden in the just concluded break.
Pape Matar Sarr is a doubt for the clash after being forced off while on international duty for Senegal.
Mohammed Kudus is back in the team after missing the last two matches.
James Maddison is still a long-term absentee.
Possible Line-Ups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Tottenham (4-3-3):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons
By Habeeb Kuranga
