The Premier League is back after the international break and the best game of the weekend is also the first game, as Tottenham travel to their fierce local rivals Arsenal. These two are both expected to finish in the top six, they both want to finish in the top four and Tottenham especially, have aspirations for much better than the top four. The rivalry goes back a long time between these two, and Tottenham appear to be gaining the upper hand on Arsenal, much to the delight of their fans of course. The battle for local bragging rights, the league positions and the history we have between these two teams means that this game is one that everyone looks forward to seeing.
English Premier League – Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – Emirates Stadium – Saturday 18th November 2017 – 12:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 28/11 at Unibet |
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Arsenal
TottenhamArsenal Form
Arsenal are currently 6th in the league, and they will be looking to improve on that in the run up to the busy Christmas period. They are three points behind Chelsea, who occupy the last top four spot, and four points behind Tottenham. The biggest problem for Arsenal so far has been their consistency, but that is something they have been working on and in recent games they have looked much better. Their only disappointing defeat recently was the 2-1 loss at Watford, where they were completely out played. They lost against Manchester City in their final game before the international break, but there is nothing wrong with that, it is likely that City could go unbeaten throughout the Premier League season.
If there is one thing Arsenal are guilty of it is not keeping up with their rivals and often they have been criticised of staying still, while others, especially Tottenham build great squads. Due to this there are many saying that Arsenal are not capable of a top four finish, something which hasn’t really been said before and I am sure they will want to prove those pundits wrong.
Tottenham Form
Tottenham are currently in third place, tied with Manchester United on 23 points for second. They have started the season very well and lost just two games, both against top four rivals Chelsea at home and Manchester United away. Beating the top four has always been something they have struggled again, and now with their being a top six in the Premier League, it is vital they change that stat.
Aside from their loss at Manchester United, Tottenham have been in fantastic form, both domestically and in the Champions League. Their recent 3-1 defeat of Real Madrid in the Champions League was a huge highlight for them and one that showed they are capable of competing with the very best clubs in the world. After their rapid rise it almost feels like Tottenham want to be better than just a top four team, they want to challenge for the league title. They have grown a great youth movement, and their squad is full of young talent so that does look like it could be a possibility for them.
Team News
This game may be decided by the two strikers, and who can put away the chances they get. While we all know Harry Kane is one of the best strikers
in the world, Alexandre Lacazette is still to fully prove that he can be the man to lead Arsenal to success. Both teams have fantastic attacking players who can create many chances each game, this one may boil down to who can put those chances in the back of the net. All eyes will be on both of the strikers and each team will be hoping it is their man who can put the ball in the back of the net.
Top Betting Tips
The North London derby is always a fantastic game to watch and with a lot at stake, this edition is sure to be another great game. Both teams have the potential to finish in the top four, with Tottenham looking for more than just that, they want to challenge for the title. If they want to do that, then they have to find a way to beat their rivals, both at home and away. While the game looks to be very close, Tottenham are the value bet in this one, they are the better team and in better form right now and would love nothing more than beating Arsenal away. Tottenham are 9/5 with Ladbrokes to beat Arsenal, a great price that gives you value in the best game of the weekend in the Premier League.