Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur lock horns on Sunday at Emirates in the iconic north London derby as the two clubs look to shift their attention back to the Premier League after the midweek action in the Europa League. Tottenham were the 2-0 victors when these two teams last met in the reverse fixture back in early December. They are also the undisputed favourites in this one, having secured five wins in their last five competitive matches.
However, things could always be tricky at the Emirates, where Arsenal will be determined to seek retribution. The Gunners are trailing their arch-rivals by eight points heading into this game, but have indeed secured three wins in the last four competitive matches. They have also found better balance and rhythm compared to when they last met Spurs in the reverse fixtures.
Arsenal Vs Tottenham Hotspur Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is likely to persist with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has given his side more firepower in the creative department. The fact that they have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back to his scoring groove means the emphasis will be on penetrating the wider attacking spaces, knowing Tottenham’s weakness when it comes to dealing with crosses.
Tottenham Hotspur
Jose Mourinho, too, should continue with a 4-2-3-1, relying on his midfield duo of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele to dominate the proceedings. The Lilwhites usually employ a right-sided overload, but with Sergio Reguilon likely to start, they should focus more on the left-hand side, trying to put more pressure on Kieran Tierney.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal don’t have to deal with too many injury-related absentees heading into this game, with even Thomas Partey likely to be available on Sunday. Arteta, though, could make a few changes including the potential return of Pablo Mari in central defence, though Emile Smith Rowe may still have to wait for his opportunity.
Predicted Lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Mari, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Willian; Aubameyang
Tottenham Hotspur
Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Kane remain doubts for Tottenham heading into this game, although we do expect the latter to return to the teamsheet. Mourinho might want to make a few rotations from the side that fared in midweek, with Gareth Bale, Toby Alderweireld, Lucas Moura and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg all likely to return to the teamsheet.
Predicted Lineup: Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Ndombele; Bale, Lucas, Son; Kane
Key Men
Arsenal
Aubameyang is certainly the main man for Arsenal going forward, having recently rediscovered his scoring touch. His ability to sense goalscoring opportunities combined with his pace and dynamism could trouble the Tottenham backline this weekend. Bukayo Saka, too, could play an important role in offering adequate service going forward.
Tottenham Hotspur
As for Spurs, they will be once again relying on the services of Harry Kane. The English international has been one of the best centre forwards in Europe this season, not only in terms of performances but also when it comes to versatility. Indeed, Kane has mastered the art of cross-field passing, and it will be interesting to see how he combines with runners like Son and Bale this weekend.
