Arsenal went into the international break at the backdrop of losing 3-1 to Manchester City at Etihad Stadium in Round 11 of the Premier League action. The Gunners will be hosting Tottenham Hotspurs at Emirates Stadium in a North London Derby contest that promises to give the league a new direction. A win for the hosts will temporarily propel the Gunners above Chelsea in the league standings given that the match kick-off is at lunchtime on Sunday (Nov. 19) before the Blues play.
Tottenham Hotspurs slipped for the second time this term when they traveled to Old Trafford to play Manchester United three weeks ago, but the Spurs got back to winning way with a slim 1-0 victory over league strugglers, Crystal Palace, only a fortnight ago.
The Spurs are aware that a win over their local rivals could see them momentarily to second on the Premier League log and reduce Manchester City's lead at the top.
Talking points
- The Gunners have won the previous 10 Premier League matches they've played at home. In fact, the last eight Premier League matches Arsenal has played at Emirates Stadium has seen the Gunners score a minimum of two goals.
- The last three matches in all competitions that Arsenal has played against Tottenham Hotspurs have ended in stalemates. However, the previous five encounters in all competitions pitting the two teams at Emirates Stadium have realized at least a total of three goals on each occasion.
- Arsenal's last four matches in Premier League have witnessed massive goals with each game realizing at least a total of three goals.
- Tottenham Hotspurs have won five of the last six Premier League matches. The only game that the Spurs lost in that period is the 1-0 loss to Manchester United.
- The Spurs manager must be happy with the progress his side has made in the past two seasons. The North London giants finished third in the league two seasons ago before finishing as runners-up last season.
Team news
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be without Santi Carzola, who is a long-term absentee, as his team takes on the local rivals.
However, several other players, including Rob Holding, Shkodran Mustafi, David Ospina, Lauren Koscielny, and Oliver Giroud, will be there to play. The other cases who are doubtful will be subjected to a late fitness test, but Koscielny, who missed the French 2-2 draw against Germany, could find the fixture coming too soon.
Mauricio Pochetino will be without Victor Wanyama, and Toby Alderweireld due to injury, but the manager will be relieved now that the Belgian defender is back in training.
Hugo Lloris, Harry Winks, Erik Lamela, Delle Alli and Michel Vorm are doubtful for the short trip within North London. However, Harry Kane, who withdrew from the England national team, will be available for the match.
Full-time prediction: Arsenal 1-3 Tottenham Hotspurs
