Mitch Freeley

Tottenham and Arsenal lock horns in the North London derby, in a game which could have ramifications on the top four, can Tottenham bounce back from consecutive league defeats? Or will it be a resurgent Arsenal side who will do the double over their fierce rivals? This game has thrown up plenty of memorable moments down the years and certainly won’t disappoint. As ever you can follow all the action Live & Exclusive on beIN CONNECT. 

After being considered dark horses in the Premier League title race, Tottenham is firmly out of the title picture following back to back defeats to Burnley & Chelsea. Wednesday evening saw Spurs lose to their London rivals, despite having the majority of possession and chances. A second-half breakaway goal from Pedro and a bizarre own goal from Kieran Trippier handed the Blues a much-needed win. 

Spurs are still in third place, however, Arsenal are just four points behind and a third consecutive defeat would further close the gap and put their chances of a top-four finish in doubt. Last time the two sides clashed it was Arsenal who had the Bragging rights with a 4-2 victory, condemning Spurs to then only their second away defeat of the season. 

In team news, Dele Alli is still a long term absentee with a thigh injury. Pochettino may also elect to make a switch at right back, taking out Trippier and bringing in Serge Aurier into the side. Tactically, Pochettino may switch up to a midfield diamond and play Son in attack with Kane as he looks to get the better of Arsenal. 

Tottenham Predicted team
Lloris, Davis, Alderwiereld, Sanchez, Trippier, Sissoko, Winks, Moura, Eriksen, Son, Kane

As for Arsenal, they will be heading into the North London derby on a high following the 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth midweek. Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mykitarian ran the show for Arsenal, as the Gunners ran riot against a lackluster Bournemouth. 

Much has been made on the inclusion of Ozil in the Arsenal side, with the prevailing feeling amongst fans is that he doesn’t work hard enough in the big games. However, the German certainly made his case for inclusion on Saturday with an impressive performance. 

After stuttering at the turn of the year, Arsenal has seemingly found their way again in the league and are currently fourth in the league. Central to the Gunners upturn in fortune has been the displays of German keeper Bernd Leno. The former Leverkusen man has been solid in his debut season and could have a critical say in Arsenal returning to Champions League football after two seasons away. 

In team news, Emery has to make a decision on Shkodran Mustafi who was an unused substitute midweek. The German international could come in to replace Sokratis Papastathopoulos in the starting lineup. Although Laurent Koscielny did suffer a suspected knee injury casting him as doubtful for the game.

Carl Jenkinson was a shock inclusion midweek, and the English right-back impressed he may keep his place ahead of veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner. Further forward, Emery will have to decide between Alexander Lacazette & Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who both found the back of the net midweek. 

Arsenal Predicted Team
Leno, Kolasinic, Papastathopoulos, Mustafi, Jenkinson, Xhaka, Torriera, Iwobi, Ozil, Mykitarian, Aubameyang

It certainly promises to be a fascinating encounter as Tottenham take on North London Rivals Arsenal. You can follow all the action Live & Exclusive on beIN CONNECT.