Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson believes Spurs fans have reason to be hopeful ahead of the North London derby.
Opta’s Supercomputer believes Arsenal are overwhelming favourites to get three points on Sunday, and given the Lilywhites’ poor record at the Emirates Stadium, it is hard not to agree with that.
However, some pundits have said Tottenham may relish playing away from home, pointing out that Thomas Frank’s men are much better equipped to sit back and hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
The pressure is undoubtedly on the home side, who are going for the Premier League title and have Man City breathing down their necks.
Arsenal injury blow is a huge boost to Tottenham
Gabriel has been ruled out of the North London derby after picking up an injury while on international duty for Brazil.
Dawson believes that the centre-back’s absence will affect Arsenal both defensively and offensively, and gives Frank’s men hope of getting a result.
The former Tottenham man told BetMGM about the North London derby: “It’s like no other fixture, and form goes out the window. Having bragging rights is so big for both sets of fans, and it’s a special game to be involved in, especially if you can come out on top.
“The club and the local area feel different the week of the derby. You go out for a coffee, and the fans would come up to you and ask about it because it means so much to them.
“It’s the same for the players, in training and in the dressing room, it just felt a bit bigger and more special. You try not to do anything different but I think internally you try to give that extra little bit because of how important a game it is in the context of the season.
“I expect Tottenham to be pretty cautious going to the Emirates, which is such a hard place to go. Arsenal will likely have a lot of the ball, and they’re the favourites, but Gabriel is a massive loss for them.
“He’s a huge miss in both boxes and it might just be a bit of added motivation for Spurs. If Spurs can get a result it will be a huge statement to not only Arsenal but the league that Tottenham are a real force this season.”
Dawson backs Spurs to get a point at the Emirates
Most pundits have not given Tottenham any chance of getting a result against Arsenal, citing the Lilywhites’ poor performances of late.
However, Dawson believes that the match comes at a good time for his former side, backing them to emerge with a draw.
He added: “On the back of an international break, you never know how players are going to pull up from their trips away, so it might not be a bad time to play Arsenal.
“Given Arsenal’s form, though, I do think Spurs would take a point, and I think that would be a great result and something they can really build on”