Arsenal vs Tottenham prediction: How will Premier League fixture play out today?

Alex Pattle
·2 min read
(AP)
(AP)

One of the fiercest rivalries in all of football sees Arsenal host Tottenham in the Premier League this afternoon (Saturday 1 October).

The north London derby could also have significant consequences as regards the title race, with Arsenal entering the fixture as league leaders on 18 points, while Spurs are just one behind in third place – with Manchester City sitting between the rivals.

Ahead of September’s international break, both Mikel Arteta’s Gunners and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham recorded comfortable victories, with Arsenal beating Brentford 3-0 away from home and Spurs dismantling Leicester 6-2 – Son Heung-min scoring a hat-trick off the bench in the second half.

The former result saw Arsenal bounce back from their sole league defeat of the season so far – a loss to Manchester United – while Tottenham are unbeaten in the top flight.

Here’s all you need to know.

When is it?

The north London derby will kick off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday (1 October), at Emirates Stadium.

How can I watch it?

The match will air live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate. Subscribers to BT Sport can also stream the game live on the broadcaster’s website and app.

What is the team news?

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe underwent groin surgery this week (Getty Images)
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe underwent groin surgery this week (Getty Images)

Injuries are starting to catch up with Arsenal and risk affecting the Gunners’ ambitious title pursuit. This week saw the news that Emile Smith Rowe will be out for two months after the midfielder underwent groin surgery, while there are further midfield concerns, with Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Reiss Nelson all doubts here – the latter two having already missed a considerable number of games. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s presence in defence is also up in the air.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are much closer to full strength, with only winger Lucas Moura expected to miss out here due to a long-term calf issue.

Predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Vieira, Martinelli; Jesus.

Tottenham: Lloris; Perisic, Sanchez, Dier, Lenglet, Sessegnon; Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Son, Kane.

Odds

Arsenal – 21/20

Draw – 13/5

Tottenham – 5/2

Via Betfair.

Prediction

It is rare that north London derbies do not make for entertaining affairs. Expect a competitive game here, with Arsenal and Spurs sharing the spoils. Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham.