BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted that Tottenham Hotspur will draw with Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday.
Lawro believes that Spurs can get something out of the clash at the Emirates but will face a tough test. He also believes that we won’t win the league but will finish above Arsenal.
He told BBC Sport Online: “There haven’t been too many occasions in the last few years where you would have backed Tottenham to go to the Emirates Stadium and get something, but I think this is one of them.
“It is going to be a tough test for Spurs, though. Arsenal have struggled in their last two away games, against AC Milan and Sunderland, but their home form is solid and you have to factor in how keen they will be to hold the bragging rights in north London.
“I think the points will end up being shared. And, although I don’t think they are going to win the league, for me they are definitely going to finish third, and above Arsenal.
“That would be the first time that has happened since Arsene Wenger took charge of the Gunners but the reasons for it are simply that Spurs have got more quality in every area.
“Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has put together a really good side, and it has got a bit of everything. They can play in so many different ways and they have a multitude of options going forward.
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“Defensively they are solid too, and part of that is due to the progress of people like Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Kyle Walker, who is starting to look like a real player.
“In goal, Brad Friedel has made a difference too, When you watch him play, he organises his defence so well, and that is a massive help to them.
“Heurelho Gomes was capable of making some excellent saves but he always had a mistake in him. The difference between being a good goalkeeper and a very good goalkeeper is about concentration.
“Keepers for the top teams might not see the ball for 20 minutes, even to take a goal-kick but they need the ability to tune in and switch on. We saw Joe Hart do it for Manchester City late on against Aston Villa a fortnight ago.
“What Hart did for me there is more of a sign he is a top keeper than if he was making a series of brilliant saves every few minutes – in the manner that people like Tim Krul and Wayne Hennessey sometimes do. It’s a bit like golf – the really top players have got the mental edge.
“Prediction: 1-1.”
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