Tottenham Hotspur take on Arsenal in a midweek Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium. Let’s take a look at our preview for the North London Derby.
It’s that time of the year yet again, the most awaited fixture and arguably Spurs‘ most important one in their remaining league fixtures—THE NORTH LONDON DERBY. This should be more than just another game; pride, bragging rights and possibly Ange Postecoglou‘s future are all on the line (depending on who you ask).
Both teams have recovered from contrasting forms in their recent FA Cup journeys. Now, they turn their attention back to the Premier League.
What time does Arsenal vs Tottenham kick-off?
- Location: London, England
- Stadium: Emirates Stadium
- Date: Wednesday 15th January
- Kick-off Time: 8 pm BST
- Referee: Simon Hooper
- VAR: Peter Bankes
How both teams go into Arsenal vs Tottenham
This season has been just as predictable as a Harry Kane penalty – you never know where it’s heading. One moment, Spurs will beat European giants Liverpool, and within two days, they’ll struggle against a fifth-division side. Thankfully, Spurs are back to winning ways with consecutive wins against two vastly different footballing sides.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are coming off back-to-back defeats. They haven’t won in their last three games, suffering recent losses to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final and a humiliating FA Cup exit to a 10-man Manchester United in the third round.
Arsenal had 61 minutes to take advantage of United’s handicap but failed miserably, even missing a penalty they never deserved in the first place. It was a well-deserved exit. The last time another team from North London played a 10-man United, it was a comfortable 3-0 win.
Safe to say, only one club from London is still competing in all domestic competitions. However, the Premier League story for both clubs is different, with Arsenal sitting 16 points ahead of Spurs. But as we’ve seen time and time again, league positions have little say when it comes to derbies.
Tottenham team news
It hurts knowing Spurs are heading into this game with so many injuries. Any other game would have hurt less, but there’s little fans can complain about. Richarlison, Odobert, Romero, Van de Ven, Vicario, Udogie, and Davies are all sidelined. Bentancur will miss out due to the 12-day rest protocol after his concussion against Liverpool. Ange hasn’t provided updates on Forster’s availability, but that shouldn’t matter as Antonin Kinsky—the man with two clean sheets in two games—will start in goal.
Arsenal team news
Spurs fans might feel better knowing Arsenal have their own issues. White, Saka, Nwaneri, Jesus, Calafiori, and Tomiyasu are all out. Updates on Jorginho’s availability should follow in the coming days. If you’ve noticed the list well enough, Arsenal are missing quite a few attackers. Spurs’ depleted defence and Arsenal’s depleted attack just balance out each other’s problems. Expect a game with loads of silly errors.
Predicted Tottenham lineup
Kinsky, Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence, Sarr, Bissouma, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Solanke, Son.
Personally, I’d have Reguilon start over Porro, with Spence moving to the right. Porro has been overused, looks worn out, and needs a break. Reguilon, even with limited playtime, is a better option than a tired Porro—harsh, maybe, but necessary.
Our North London Derby insights
Manchester United executed a solid game plan against Arsenal by staying calm in possession and avoiding unnecessary pressing. Arsenal’s quick transitions, midfield precision, and sharp positioning make them particularly dangerous when opponents press too hard. United maintained a measured distance from Arsenal’s players, focusing on marking rather than direct challenges, and crowded the ball only when it reached the box.
If you look at Arsenal players’ average positions in their previous 2 games, surprisingly, they fielded an incredibly high defensive line, and both Newcastle and Manchester United had more players in their own half. Spurs will have to sit back at times and not force play (unlikely). Expect Arsenal to switch to a low block once again.
When Arsenal do concede, it’s mostly because of the overloads created by their opponents and their defenders not having enough time or energy to make the run and defend (sounds familiar, except Arsenal have defensive depth, and Spurs don’t at all). Making runs into the final third, creating overloads in the Arsenal box and taking shots, when possible, should be effective. Raya doesn’t have a high reach, so deflections will need to be capitalised.
We all know Arsenal and their love story with set pieces, and we also know Spurs and their hate relationship with them. Arsenal have already scored 10 goals just from set pieces this season. First, they crowd the keeper and stand in the back post, and suddenly, an inward-turning corner comes in, and every single Arsenal player just runs to the near post. They’ll do ANYTHING—rolling over, backflips, using the back of their bodies—just to get a touch. When that inward corner gets the slightest touch, there’s no stopping it—it’s a goal.
There’s no proper solution to it, but Spurs can try creating a wall in the back post to stop runs toward the near post. This is a risky approach, though, as stopping runs means Arsenal players can dive (they’re really good at it) and earn a penalty. So, the key will be to clear the ball at the first opportunity without overcommitting physically.
Arsenal vs Tottenham prediction
The last North London Derby was painful. Spurs dominated every statistic but failed to score and ultimately lost. It’s been two years since Spurs fans could proudly say, “North London is white.” Ange Postecoglou understands how much this win means to us, and fans can only hope he’ll deliver.
Key player to watch for Spurs? Antonin Kinsky. Calm, composed, and confident, he looks like the final piece in Spurs’ defence. Honestly, there were moments in the last two games where I thought Ange had fielded three centre-backs, but no, the ‘third’ was just Kinsky doing his thing. Bergvall also deserves a mention. After his maiden goal against Liverpool, he’s grown more confident and remains one of the few Spurs players brave enough to take on opponents and win recoveries.
All will be forgiven if Spurs win this one game. It’s easy to hope for a derby win and treat the fans to much-needed joy. With Saka and Jesus out, Arsenal’s main threat might be Havertz who has 12 goals in 27 games, but he has a history of disappearing in big games. The football is back to what it used to be, so Arsenal might want to start drafting excuses for a loss at their home ground.
Score Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Arsenal. COYS