Arsenal have been all guns blazing in their buildup to this season’s second edition of the North London Derby. The Gunners have fired in 10 goals in their last three games –all wins – but perhaps more importantly, they’ve conceded none.
However, Tottenham have been just as good lately, and have had their share of success in recent derbies on home turf. Which club’s hot streak will continue as the two bitter rivals collide in the capital? Check out our complete preview of the North London Derby below.
Another derby is brewing this weekend up north as Liverpool and Everton renew hostilities in the Merseyside derby. See our preview of that big match here.
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Tottenham vs. Arsenal Betting Preview
Where: White Hart Lane, London, England
When: Saturday, February 7, 7:45 AM ET
Line: Arsenal EVEN at Tottenham +215, tie +240, total 2.5 – view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The North London Derby is one of the fiercest in the country, but local bragging rights are just one of the things at stake in this upcoming matchup.
Arsenal are currently in fifth place, two points ahead of Tottenham. A win for the Gunners will send them five points clear of their rivals and could possibly even send them up to fourth if Southampton lose. Meanwhile, a win for Spurs will see them leapfrog their rivals in the table.
Betting on Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive run of late continued as they took down West Bromwich Albion 3-0 last Saturday. Spurs have now won three of their last four games and six of their last eight (6-1-1), which includes their huge 5-3 home win over leaders Chelsea on New Year’s.
Rising star Harry Kane, who was the hero for Spurs with two of the five goals against Chelsea, scored another brace against West Brom to take his tally to 20 in all competitions this season. Kane will be coming into their match with Arsenal in fine form, having scored five goals in his last four Premier League matches.
Christian Eriksen, who will be tasked to offer support for Kane from midfield, has also been banging in the goals. He scored two in Spurs’ 2-2 Carling Cup second leg against Sheffield United and added the third against West Brom. He’s the team’s second-leading goalscorer with nine Premier League goals this season.
However, Spurs’ backline could be the more decisive part of their team as they match up with a fearsome Arsenal attack. The Tottenham defense has given up 30 goals this season, tied for worst among the current top 10 Premier League teams. They’ve given up 14 of those goals at White Hart Lane, the worst defensive home record in the top 10.
Tottenham lost last year’s derby at home, but they’ve had a significantly improved home record against Arsenal in recent years. Prior to last year, they had gone seven games unbeaten at home (four wins and three draws) against Arsenal.
It’s going to be a rivalry-filled weekend in the Premier League. Create a betting account now and choose your allegiance wisely.
Betting on Arsenal
Arsenal couldn’t have asked for a much better buildup to the North London Derby. The Gunners have been firing on all cylinders, with three straight emphatic wins over Stoke (3-0), at Man City (2-0) and Aston Villa (5-0). They’ve won five of their last six games since Boxing Day.
Playmaker Santi Cazorla scored his second goal in as many games and assisted on two more as the Gunners smashed five goals past Villa despite missing star striker Alexis Sanchez, who was out because of a hamstring injury.
Sanchez may still not be ready to face Tottenham, but Arsenal are certainly not short of options up front. Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil each scored goals against Villa in their return to the starting lineup after lengthy injury layoffs.
Arsenal will also be without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but striker Danny Welbeck is set to return to give the Gunners another attacking option on their bench.
Arsenal owe much of their success over the last three games to their much-improved defense. Youngsters Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin have been instrumental in helping the Gunners keep three straight clean sheets for the first time this season. Coquelin in particular will be vital from his defensive midfield position in limiting the impact of Tottenham’s Erikson in the middle of the pitch.
Arsenal have lost four of their five league games this season away from home, but they have had some decent results in the last few weeks. Aside from beating Man City, they also won 2-1 at West Ham and drew at Liverpool last December.
Writer’s Prediction
Arsenal’s improved defense keeps Kane at bay as the Gunners escape with a close 1-0 win.
