Charlie Nicholas predicts who will win the North London derby between Spurs and Arsenal

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has shared his score prediction ahead of the North London derby later this afternoon.

Arsenal make the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since the new venue was built in what could prove to be a vital result in the European hopes of both sides.

Arsenal have only kept one clean sheet in their last 10 Premier League away games against Tottenham (W1 D3 L6), a 1-0 victory in March 2014.

Spurs are once again without Dele Alli following the recent hamstring injury he sustained in training. Eric Dier will also be missing as he serves the second of his four match suspension which was handed down by the Football Association.

Nicholas, who played for Arsenal between 1983 and 1988 believes that it will be his former side who will secure the North London bragging rights in a match which he claims Arteta’s side will be strong on the counter attack.

The 58-year-old told Sky Sports: “This is a game where they will both look at each other and realise they have become average sides. From an Arsenal perspective, they are improving. It is slow and not overly attractive, despite playing decent going forwards.

“Tottenham are going backwards. You look at Heung-Min Son, and I may regret this, but they look to be playing as individuals. There is no team pattern, but the defence changes and they keep a clean sheet. Harry Kane should have had a penalty but Bournemouth should have had a goal.

“This is a team under Jose Mourinho which does not have any identity. It is hard work and they are grafting but it isn’t working. Tanguy Ndombele is coming in for bits and pieces, Giovani Lo Celso is nice and neat, and Erik Lamela has lovely ability. Harry Kane is always a goal threat against Arsenal so I would not be surprised if he scored once again.

“The back three of Arsenal looked more solid and in control, so for these improvements, alongside Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos, Arsenal have looked better. These two are not my favourites and they are weak defensively as a holding pair, but they have improved on the ball.

“Tottenham could raise their game, but Arsenal will be dangerous on the counter-attack. Serge Aurier makes mistakes, and Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will both play as Eddie Nketiah is suspended, but I do think Arsenal could see them off.

“Prediction: 1-2.”