Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
As derbies go, there are few bigger in the Premier League, in English football or in club football throughout Europe.
North London’s finest really don’t like each other very much, and it shows!
The tide has turned in recent years with Arsenal’s stranglehold over their arch-rivals being tempered by a period of Spurs supremacy.
Now as they prepare to go head-to-head for the first time in the new season, this SBOBET writer is excited.
Talking Points
Healthier lineup for Arsenal
Both clubs need to bounce back after dispiriting defeats last weekend.
Arsenal were defensively naïve at Anfield in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, while Spurs never got going in a surprise 1-0 home loss to Newcastle.
Neither manager can really afford a derby defeat before the international break, so expect a tense atmosphere in North London.
Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns. Mesut Ozil (illness) should be available after missing out last weekend.
David Luiz should keep his starting role despite a poor performance at Anfield, and expect Alexandre Lacazette to make a return to Unai Emery’s starting XI.
Although it will be too soon for this contest, Arsenal have received a double injury boost this week with the news that full-backs Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney are due to return to training a month ahead of schedule.
Injury concerns for the Spurs
As for Spurs, they are affected by three players with thigh injuries. Kyle Walker-Peters is a doubt along with club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele, while Dele Alli has a better chance of returning.
Mauricio Pochettino has not selected Jan Vertonghen this season, but there is a growing expectation he could prove his fitness. Serge Aurier could leave before Monday’s European transfer deadline day, so Moussa Sissoko or Eric Dier could fill-in should Walker-Peters not make it.
Harry Kane’s new endeavour
Upfront is what really excites me with Pepe showing glimpses of his talent on his full debut last weekend, and Harry Kane bidding to become the all-time top scorer in North London derby history.
The England captain enjoys playing Arsenal like no other opponent. He is already the top scorer in Premier League North London derbies with nine goals in as many games, including three from four games at the Emirates.
One more strike will level with Emmanuel Adebayor and Bobby Smith’s all-time shared record of 10 North London derby goals across all competitions.
This should be a cagey contest with a draw the most likely outcome. Tottenham will want Arsenal to have plenty of the ball and then hit Emery’s men on the break – and Arsenal will want the same thing of Spurs so it should be an end-to-end attack.
Put it this way, don’t expect a 0-0.
History
Their clashes have produced so many Premier League 2019 highlights, you could write a book.
Last season was a case in point.
This corresponding fixture was a classic.
Emery’s first North London derby as Arsenal boss saw his side take an early lead through Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang before two quick goals from Dier and Kane gave Spurs an interval lead.
Aubameyang soon levelled and then two goals in three minutes sealed a home win through Lacazette and Lucas Torreira.
It extended Spurs’ record at Arsenal in the Premier League to one win in 26 visits (lost 15) and was the first time Arsenal had won a North London derby in the Premier League after trailing at half-time since September 2007.
A few weeks later and Spurs gained a modicum of revenge with a 2-0 success in the League Cup quarter-finals, courtesy of goals from Son Heung-Min and Dele Alli.
The return league fixture at Wembley in March ended all square with drama and controversy in equal measure as Aubameyang’s injury-time penalty was saved by Hugo Lloris in what was the 22nd drawn game between the Spurs and the Gunners in the Premier League — more than any other fixture in the competition’s history.
Overall, Arsenal have won 82 games to Spurs’ 64 with a further 52 being draws.
Betting Tip
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Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur | Total goal 4-6 @ 2.68 |
| September 01, 23:30 (GMT+8) |
Arsenal are slight favourites, priced 1X2 @ 2.40 with Spurs 1X2 @ 2.76 and the draw @ 3.45.
Asian Handicap odds are even closer. You can back the Gunners -0.50 @ 2.40 and Spurs 0.00 @ 2.19.
A repeat of last season’s meeting – correct score 4-2 – will lead you to enjoy a payday of @ 50.00, while a more likely 1-1 is available @ 6.60.
I think this will be mighty close with a few goals and that is reflected in my prediction.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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