Following a two-week international break, Premier League football returns with one of the biggest games of the season as Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby at The Emirates Stadium. This is a huge game for a number of reasons and one that neither side can really afford to lose with Spurs already eight points off the top of the table and Arsenal a further four behind their local rivals. Both managers will be desperate to gain bragging rights in this game and as always, we can expect a fiery encounter on Saturday afternoon.
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: 5/2 at Ladbrokes |
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Arsenal
TottenhamArsenal were comfortably beaten 3-1 by Manchester City in their last Premier League match, with substitute Alexandre Lacazette scoring the only goal of the game for Arsene Wenger’s side. The Frenchman will likely start Saturday’s match after Olivier Giroud picked up an injury on international duty for France. Another man who could return is Danny Welbeck, with the England striker making good progress in his recovery from injury. A defeat for Arsenal on Saturday would put pay to any faint hopes they have of challenging for the league title and to be 15 points off top in November would represent another big failure for struggling manager Arsene Wenger.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs were largely uninspiring in their most recent Premier League match, a 1-0 win against bottom side Crystal Palace. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has had to contend with a whole host of injuries recently with Hugo Lloris, Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama all missing games and the performances have certainly suffered. Pochettino is confident that most of those players will be fit for Saturday’s game after missing the international break and he will be desperate to have Harry Kane back to lead the attack.
Talking Points
1. Only Crystal Palace have made more individual errors leading to goals than Arsenal.
2. Harry Kane has had the most shots of any Premier League player, with 59. The gap between him and second place is the same as the one between second and 34th.
3. No defender has created more chances in the Premier League than Ben Davies (19).
Prediction
This is a huge game for both sides and I think that could lead to a very tight, cagey affair in which the first goal will be key. Neither side will want to lose this game, but you have to question whether Arsenal will be solid enough in defence to keep out this talented Spurs team. If Harry Kane and Dele Alli both play in the game, then I think Arsenal could find it very tough. Spurs have a pretty rotten record away at the top six sides, but that has to change some time and I think they could pick up a win at The Emirates on Saturday.
Betting Tips (Ladbrokes)
Arsenal start this game as slight favourites at odds of 6/4, whilst an away win for Spurs is priced up at 15/8, with the draw 5/2. It’s a really tough one to call this game, and the 8/13 available on Spurs or Draw looks like a solid bet to me, if a little cautious. I can’t see Arsenal winning the game, so that looks like a banker to me if you want a safe bet. The 1/2 on BTTS looks like easy money too, with both sides looking a little shaky in defence recently due to injuries.
Spurs or Draw – 8/13 (Ladbrokes)