Paul Merson has predicted that Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will not play out like North London derbies usually do.
With the international break done and dusted, the tension has now started building ahead of Tottenham’s trip to the Emirates.
Opta’s Supercomputer has predicted that Arsenal are overwhelming favourites to beat Spurs, and not a lot of Tottenham supporters would disagree, given their team’s performances of late.
However, despite their ongoing struggles at home, Thomas Frank’s men have managed to win four and draw one of their five away matches this season, including a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
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Paul Merson expects a cagey affair between Tottenham and Arsenal
Merson pointed out that, unlike the end-to-end, entertaining games we have seen when these two sides have locked horns historically, it will be an extremely cagey contest on Sunday.
He suggested that Tottenham may post a challenge to Arsenal, given their exploits away from home, but he backed Mikel Arteta’s men to edge out their opponents.
Merson told Sportskeeda about the North London derby: “This is the game! When I used to play for Arsenal, I used to ring my dad up and tell him when we’re playing Tottenham as soon as the fixtures were out. I know Liverpool and Manchester City are bigger opponents for Arsenal in the title race, but for the fans, this is the biggest game!
“Tottenham are top of the league table if you only consider form away from home. When Spurs are not the favourites and they sit back, absorb pressure and hit you on the break, they are a tricky team to face.
“If Arsenal were playing away from home, I would have given Tottenham no chance! Mikel Arteta also has to deal with injuries to some key players, so I don’t think this game is a straightforward win for Arsenal. Will Viktor Gyokeres be fit? Can Leandro Trossard make an impact like he did in the last game? There are so many questions to be answered.
“Arsenal vs Tottenham has always been one of the most entertaining matches in the Premier League. But I don’t think that will be the case here. I’m expecting a tight, cagey affair with Arsenal coming out on top in the end. Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur.”
Ex-Spurs stars do not think Tottenham stand a chance against Arsenal
Interestingly, Merson has given Tottenham more of a chance than the pundits who are associated with the Lilywhites.
Jermaine Jenas believes that Arsenal will simply be too strong for Spurs, given how Frank’s men have been playing of late.
Harry Redknapp also does not give Tottenham a chance of getting even a point at the Emirates, although the former Spurs boss does think the Lilywhites will make things easy for their rivals.