Arsenal v Tottenham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Arsenal host Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening. Both sides have made fine starts with 13 points from five matches. The Gunners have lost just two of their last 29 home matches vs. Spurs in all competitions. Mikel Arteta’s side cruised to a win the Europe on Wednesday whilst the visitors had a full week to prepare for this.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal are still finding their very best form this season yet it’s five wins and a draw in six matches in all competitions. After a 2-1 win in round one at home against Nottingham Forest, they fought hard to win 1-0 at Crystal Palace with ten men. A 2-2 home draw with Fulham followed as they put up 2.64 xG more than the Cottagers but still leaked an 87th-minute equaliser.

A 3-1 home win over Man Utd followed thanks to two very late goals. They produced 2.27 xG in the victory and deserved the three points. The Gunners then went to bogey ground Goodison Park and won 1-0 with 74% possession and just 0.34 xG allowed to Everton. In midweek, they made light work of PSV in the UEFA Champions League in a 4-0 win.

Arsenal Team News

The Gunners have three injuries for this match. Thomas Partey is ruled out with a groin problem and Jurrien Timber is out long-term after knee surgery. Gabriel Martinelli is almost certainly ruled out with a hamstring injury but Arteta holds hope that they could return in time.

In midfield, the coach must decide between underperforming Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira as his third midfield. Leandro Trossard is set to replace Martinelli down the left wing. In goal, David Raya has started the last two matches but Aaron Ramsdale could be back for this big match.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal will attack, look to dominate possession and to win. There will be no settling for a point at any stage.

Motivation will be very high and expect to see a physical match and attacking subs made to turn any level scoreline into three points.

Tottenham Form

Spurs have had a great start to life under Ange Postecoglu. They drew 2-2 at Brentford before a fine second half brought a 2-0 home win over Man Utd. A dominant 2-0 win at Bournemouth followed with 2.06 xG with James Maddison running the show.

They lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Fulham in the Carabao Cup. A 5-2 thrashing of Burnley followed as Son netted a hattrick as Spurs scored five times from just 2.28 xG. That win at Turf Moor preceded a 2-1 home win over Sheffield United. Tottenham trailed 1-0 after 97 minutes before scoring twice to rescue a key win.

Tottenham Team News

Ange Postecoglu remains without fringe players Ryan Sessegnon, Bryan Gil, and Gio Lo Celso due to various injuries. Ivan Perisic has injured his knee and will be out long-term. Rodrigo Bentancur is still at least a month away from a return from his serious knee injury.

Spurs have a completely settled back six and won’t make any changes there. In attack, the coach must decide whether to recall Richarlison or not after his late goal and assist in the Sheffield United win. That would see Manor Solomon drop to the bench and Son returning to the left wing. Brennan Johnson will have to settle for another outing as a substitute.

Tottenham Motivation

The new Spurs coach only knows one way to play. He will attack and look to outscore the Gunners.

A draw would not be a bad result on paper but Tottenham won’t set up to play for a point at any stage in this match.

Key Stats

Arsenal have conceded in 24 of their last 28 home matches (EPL)

Arsenal have scored 33 goals in their last 11 home Premier League matches

Tottenham have scored 2+ goals in each of their last 6 league matches

Spurs have won 4 league matches in a row

Tottenham have won just twice in 29 away matches vs. Arsenal

Verdict

This fixture usually has plenty of goals to enjoy. Arsenal regularly scores three times at home and Spurs are netting 2+ goals in all their recent matches. We could see four or five goals in this match and the Gunners should have too much.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.20

Value Bet: Arsenal win and both teams to score at 2.85

Multiplier Leg: Arsenal win/draw double chance + over 2.5 goals at 1.86

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis