2017-18 EPL: Arsenal vs Tottenham Preview
It has become a theme of the recent past that Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal underperforms in the Premier League. This season is no different as a faltering Arsenal (6th, 19 points) try to get back into the reckoning when they take on bitter neighbours Tottenham Hotspur (3rd, 23 points). This North London derby will be played at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, November 18.
Season so far
Arsenal started this season, just like every other, hoping to be among the title contenders. Forget the title race, Arsenal are struggling to stay afloat. They are 12 points off the leaders City but are just three points off the fourth-placed Chelsea. Will the Gunners get more realistic and plan for the fourth spot? Considering the intense pressure and scrutiny that Wenger is under this season, it won’t be a surprise if he prioritises Champions League qualification.
Tottenham have worries of a different kind as manager Mauricio Pochettino wants his side to challenge for the title. They are tied on points with second-placed Manchester United but are already eight points off the leaders City. That is some way to go, especially considering the form of Pep Guardiola’s side. All this means, a loss to Arsenal would sound a death knell to Tottenham’s hopes of staying alive in the Premier League title race.
Key Stats and battles
Arsenal have won five straight home games to start their Premier League season and can make it six in a row for the first time since 2007/08. But, the worry for Wenger is that all those victories came against smaller sides.
Tottenham have made it 6 away wins in their last 7 Premier League matches with the lone reverse coming against Manchester United (1-0) at Old Trafford.
One player who enjoys North London derbies is Harry Kane. The Tottenham forward has scored in all 5 of his Premier League matches against Arsenal (6 goals). By scoring this weekend, he can become the first player to score in 6 consecutive North London derbies.
Prediction
Pochettino is yet to lose a derby to Arsenal (2 wins, 4 draws) although he is yet to win at the Emirates in three visits. Will Saturday be any different? A draw at odds of $3.50 at CrownBet looks the most prudent.
When it’s North London derby, how can you not look at Kane being the goal scorer? Back the Tottenham forward to score a goal anytime at odds of $2.05 at Ladbrokes.
For Arsenal, it could be Alexandre Lacazette who is the one to hit the back of the net at odds of $2.40 at Ladbrokes.
* Always gamble responsibly
