This should be an absolute cracker of a game!
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
Sunday 24 September
Emirates Stadium
Arsenal
Arsenal haven’t hit the highs of last season by any stretch of the imagination, but you wouldn’t know that by looking (or listening) to their delirious fans. Arsenal have maintained their attractive style, their aggressive coach, and their commitment to ensuring a quality eleven on the pitch at all times, it will be tested with European commitments, but I have no doubt that they will have their focus domestically.
Arsenal dug deep to secure a well-deserved (albeit narrow) win over Everton last Sunday, they attempted to qualify that with their somewhat stuttering performance in Europe and now face a flying Spurs team.
Interestingly, the Gunners have seemingly replaced Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya. I’m not sure how I feel about that as yet, but he certainly doesn’t look out of place in that Arsenal side.
Martinelli will be a blow for Mikel Arteta’s side, but how long he is actually sidelined for is something which remains to be seen. I agree with the Spanish coach’s thoughts after the game where he suggested the score could have been bigger – but in this competitive league you have to earn absolutely everything.
Nevertheless, the fact is this side is two points off City and remain their most relevant competition.
Spurs
I’m going to have to admit that I certainly was not one of the people who started jumping up and down when Ange Postecoglou was appointed at Spurs. In fairness I knew very little about the Australian other than ‘that’ voice recording…
This, of course, does not take away from the fact that ‘Angeball’ has been incredibly intriguing. There is no denying that Spurs have played some of the best football in the League this year and are slowly but surely getting the results to back it up.
I absolutely wouldn’t be surprised to see them win this game, Big Ange (we are allowed to say that now, right?) will know a result here, especially after the United result, would do wonders for their confidence and their supporter’s belief.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal: Raya, Zinchenko, Magalhaes, Saliba, White, Odegaard, Rice, Vieira, Saka, Nketiah, Trossard.
Spurs: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Sarr, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Maddison, Solomon, Son.
Prediction: Draw (32/10)
I know what you are thinking, I’m sitting on the fence, but hear me out…neither of these sides have managed to attack a game and completely dominate the pace from the outset.
I think they are evenly matched in terms of ability; Arsenal probably wins on confidence, but Spurs will certainly be my pick for current style! Richarlison will come into this one with a touch less emotional upheaval and that might unleash the Brazilian in ways we are yet to see on a big stage!
But for my money, a draw at a little more than 3/1 is the pick.
