Arsenal play host to Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s north London derby at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have endured a mixed run in the Premier League of late, and this sees them positioned sixth in the standings with just 19 points. Meanwhile, their cross-city rivals, Spurs have made good progress in the top-flight, and they are presently jostling for the Champions League places in third with 23 points- eight adrift of pace-setters Manchester City.
Previous outing:
The last meeting between the sides was at the Old White Hart Lane where Tottenham triumphed by a 2-0 scoreline. Spurs dominated the play from the off and they had as many as 11 shots on target. Dele Alli and Harry Kane found the scoresheet between the 55th and 58th minute of the game, and the Gunners were saved from an embarrassment courtesy of a magnificent display from goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Players to watch for:
Alexandre Lacazette – Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette has been a revelation for Arsenal with six goals in just 11 appearances. The Frenchman was surprisingly dropped during the 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, but he proved his mettle by scoring from the bench. The former Lyon man can be a handful upfront with his dribbling abilities, but he has been a potent threat to the opposition goalkeeper with 71 percent of his shots on target (BBC Sport).
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur: Kane had been struggling with a hamstring problem in late October, but the two week international break is likely to have freshened him up for the local derby. The England international is currently the league’s joint top-scorer with eight goals, and he will fancy his chances of clinching a rare victory at the home of their fierce rivals. Kane enjoys his challenge versus Arsenal having contributed six goals in as many outings (Transfermarkt).
Prediction:
Both sides have shared the spoils in the last three meetings at the Emirates, and this one could go the same way with the Gunners unlikely to employ an open game against a Spurs’ attack with immense potential and skill.
Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Image – Creative Commons
