Chris Sutton has offered his prediction for the highly anticipated North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal, leaning in favor of a Spurs victory. With the Premier League resuming after the international break, this weekend's clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands out as one of the most critical fixtures.
Tottenham, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, have yet to secure a victory in this fixture, but Sutton believes they might have the edge this time. Arsenal are dealing with significant absences, including Declan Rice due to suspension and both Mikel Merino and Martin Řdegaard sidelined with injuries, which could leave Mikel Arteta’s midfield short of options.
Sutton’s prediction comes as Arsenal face mounting pressure to get back to winning ways, particularly with a challenging match against Manchester City looming on the horizon. Arsenal recently dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Brighton, and Sutton feels Spurs will capitalize on Arsenal’s struggles, predicting a thrilling 3-2 victory for the home side. He stated in his column for **BBC Sport**: “The Gunners will get chances in this game and I expect them to score... but this time, I am going to back Spurs.”
Sutton further warned that a defeat for Arsenal could effectively end their hopes of contending for the Premier League title, especially if Manchester City extends their lead at the top of the table by beating Brentford. "If I am right, then we may as well hand the title to Manchester City," Sutton remarked, signaling how crucial the game is for Arsenal’s title aspirations.
Other pundits have weighed in as well. Aaron Lennon has also backed Tottenham to win, while Paul Merson predicts a draw. Arsenal’s recent success against Spurs, including a 3-2 win at Tottenham last season and a 2-2 draw at home, suggests the Gunners have had the upper hand in recent meetings. However, the current injuries to key players like Rice and Řdegaard could present a major challenge for Arteta, who might need to deploy a creative solution for his midfield setup.
It’s possible that Jorginho and Thomas Partey will start in midfield, but there are also rumors that 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri could be handed his full debut in this high-stakes encounter. Whether Arteta takes the risk of starting Nwaneri or opts for a more experienced option will be a key decision leading up to the match.
The North London derby is always unpredictable, and with both teams having a lot to play for, Sunday’s match promises to be an exciting battle between two of the Premier League’s top sides.
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