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It’s North London derby time as Arsenal host their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates. Join The Roar from 11pm for live scores and blog for the blockbuster Sunday night clash.
Arsenal are soaring at the moment, while Spurs’ engine seems to have been momentarily cut off while mid-flight. They were devastating against the league leaders Manchester City early last month and produced arguably the best team performance of the season so far, however since then they have been unable to scale the same heights.
A run of three successive draws has seen them remain unbeaten in the league, but that will of be little comfort for Mauricio Pochettino. They were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Liverpool, and Wednesday’s Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen has left their hopes dangling by a thread in that competition. Make no mistake about it, Spurs are now in a mini form slump and it is their worst run since Pochettino took over in 2014.
Star striker Harry Kane has been missing since September yet initially the side looked like they could cope without him. As time has gone on though the goals have dried up and Spurs look like a team suddenly devoid of confidence. The news of Kane’s imminent return will come as a welcome boost then, but it is highly unlikely that he will start the game on Sunday.
Over at Arsenal things are looking decidedly rosier – they are joint top of the league, are assured of a last 16 place in the Champions League, and advanced to the quarter-final stages of the EFL Cup. Alexis Sanchez is lighting up the league as a striker, while Mesut Ozil’s winning goal against Ludogorets during midweek left football fans everywhere stunned.
However despite all the high points, the Gunners are now entering into dangerous territory. November is statistically always the worst month of their Premier League campaigns, where they pick up the least amount of points. During the last 20 years under Arsene Wenger, the club have won just 36 of the 78 fixtures they have played during the month. It’s a worrying form line and one they need to address against their London rivals this weekend.
Self-confessed Arsenal fan Moussa Sissoko will continue to serve his three-match suspension for Spurs, while Mousa Dembele will be a doubt after limping off against Leverkusen. Erik Lamela could be in line for a return, but the match will come too quickly for defensive lynchpin Toby Alberweireld. Meanwhile, the likes of Theo Walcott, Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal could all return for Arsenal who are looking strong and healthy heading into the vital winter months.
Can Tottenham rediscover their form, or will Arsenal overcome their fierce rivals and their November blues in the process?
Prediction
Arsenal have won five of their last six games in all competitions, while Spurs haven’t won once in that time. An Arsenal victory with Alexis Sanchez getting on the scoresheet looks great value.
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