Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal: North London Derby preview

Tottenham Hotspur will host Arsenal in the North London Derby this Sunday. Both teams have started off with good performances in the first matches of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, so it's all poised for a contest as they fight for the lead in the early part of the season. But injuries and suspensions are going to rob both teams of key men from their squads. Arsenal currently sits in fourth while Spurs sit 10th with only three points separating the rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur

Under new manager Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham has impressed with a playing style focused on high pressing, possession, and rapid transitions. Their fans hope this tactical approach will result in a strong performance and help them beat their rivals.

In the back-line, Tottenham will be happy to have Micky van de Ven back in the squad after his absence in the defeat to Newcastle United. The Dutchman has been pivotal for Spurs' defensive third, and his return could provide much-needed stability.

There are still doubts regarding the fitness of Richarlison, whose injury struggles continues to leave a gap in their attacking options, especially given his high pressing and defensive disruption capabilities. Dominic Solanke, who has also been dealing with injuries, is expected to return and could provide a much required attacking boost.

It is going to be in the control of the midfield, where Yves Bissouma and James Maddison will take the lead. Maddison has been instrumental so far in opening up opportunities for Tottenham in the final third of the pitch. Their wingers, like Dejan Kulusevski, will aim to exploit any space left by Arsenal's full-backs, particularly if key defenders are missing.

Arsenal

Arsenal faces significant challenges due to their injury list. Declan Rice, their £105 million summer signing, is suspended, creating a considerable gap in midfield. Rice has been a key figure, providing defensive stability and helping transition from defense to attack.

Martin Ødegaard, the club captain, is also a major doubt after an injury during the international break. His creativity and leadership are critical to Arsenal’s attack, and his absence could hinder their ability to control the game's tempo.

Other absentees include Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Mikel Merino, all out due to injuries. The defense will be stretched thin, requiring strong performances from players like Gabriel Magalhães and Ben White. Gabriel Jesus, who is recovering from a groin injury, remains doubtful but could add much-needed firepower to Arsenal’s frontline.

Despite these challenges, Mikel Arteta will rely on Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to create chances from the flanks. Arsenal’s wide players will be crucial in stretching Tottenham's defense and providing support to whoever leads the attack in Jesus' absence.

This North London Derby is expected to be a tactical battle, with both Postecoglou and Arteta known for their strategic insights. Tottenham's high-pressing style will aim to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up play, particularly with Ødegaard and Rice potentially out. Arsenal will likely use their pace on the wings to counter Tottenham's press and exploit any gaps.

A critical matchup will be James Maddison vs. Arsenal’s midfield, with Maddison orchestrating Tottenham’s attack. Arsenal will depend on Bukayo Saka’s creativity and dribbling skills to stretch Tottenham’s defense and create opportunities.

Defensively, Tottenham must be cautious of Arsenal’s quick transitions, particularly with Saka and Trossard on the flanks. Arsenal, weakened by injuries, will require a disciplined performance from their backline and midfield to counter Tottenham's pressing game.

With both teams facing injuries and absences, this is likely to be a closely contested match. Arsenal's injury issues, especially the potential absence of Rice and Ødegaard, could hamper their control in midfield, giving Tottenham an advantage in possession. However, Arsenal's wide players, like Saka and Trossard, still pose a threat to Tottenham's defense. It has also been rumored that Raheem Sterling will be given his first minutes this season ahead of the fixture.

A close match is expected, although Tottenham's home advantage and Arsenal’s injuries might tilt the balance slightly in Spurs' favor.