Arsenal vs Tottenham predictions including Robbie Savage's big match verdict
Mikel Arteta's glory-chasing Gunners or Ange Postecoglou's increasingly slick-looking Spurs? Whatever happens at the Emirates it promises to be an eventful one.
With Postecoglou impressing everyone on and off the pitch since arriving in north London in the summer it seems as though Tottenham will, at the very least, take the game to their near and not-so dear neighbours, but how will it all pan out?
Mirror Sport columnist Robbie Savage reckons there will be goals, saying: "Tottenham have thrown away more points from leading positions than any other club in the Premier League era – and they have also gained the most after falling behind. In other words, the most Spursy team in the top flight is Tottenham.
"I can remember a see-saw 4-4 draw at the Emirates in 2008, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was another high-scoring affair."
How do the rest of the Mirror Football team see it going though? Well, we asked them:
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Daniel Orme
Both teams come into this game fresh off the back of an excellent start to the season. Spurs and Arsenal each have four wins to their name.
The Gunners have managed to get last season’s failure out of their system, whilst their North London rivals have started excellently under Ange Postecoglou. That could produce an excellent game at the Emirates but one aspect could decide this showdown: Harry Kane (or lack thereof).
Only against former loan side Leicester and Everton has Kane scored more goals in his career. Spurs will certainly miss such an inspirational figure - whilst Arsenal will be relieved to not see his name on the teamsheet after being tormented by Kane for so long.
There will no doubt be others keen to step up to the plate - James Maddison the most likely candidate given his excellent record against the Gunners with Leicester. However, with Arsenal boasting the second-best defence in the Premier League this term, they will be aiming to keep their North London rivals out, with or without Kane. Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will be favourites (Getty Images)Mike Walters
In the Premier League era, it's been one of the most lop-sided derby fixtures of all. Tottenham have won only once at Arsenal in 30 years, and for all the positive feedback greeting new Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou's refreshingly expansive football, they are still going to have their work cut out to improve that dismal record.
Big Angeball won the day when they fell behind against Brentford, Burnley and Sheffield United, but the Gunners may not be so charitable.
The Emirates used to be a library, a nice place for a quiet nap under the desk, but it will be rocking this weekend and fired-up Arsenal will fancy their chances after hitting their stride against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
It may boil down to the battle of the playmakers - Martin Odegaard and James Maddison - and who can find enough pockets of space to make the difference. Check those fenceposts because the best seats in the house will be on the fence. Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham
Martin Odegaard has signed a new deal at the Emirates Stadium ((Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arse)
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
Andy Dunn
It seems like every season we get a new Premier League manager who is described as a breath of fresh air. Well, after the Antonio Conte era, Ange Postecoglou is a hurricane of fresh air.
But let’s not go overboard about Tottenham’s fine start to the season - they have beaten teams you would expect them to beat and, yes, that includes Manchester United. Arsenal, meanwhile, look increasingly impressive and it is hard not to see them taking advantage of the vulnerability occasionally shown by Spurs.
Mikel Arteta’s defensive unit seems to be getting more effective game by game and Tottenham will find it harder than normal to get much joy on the counter-attack.
It should be an absolute cracker at The Emirates and, despite Arsenal solidity at the back, Spurs should manage to nick one. But that will not be enough against a home side that is only to get slicker in big games such as this one. An emphatic win for the Gunners. Prediction: Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham
Ben Husband
Had this match been happening in the other half of North London, I’d be fairly confident in making my prediction. I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Tottenham in the opening weeks and the way they swatted aside Manchester United at home was a sight to behold.
Arsenal have picked up results, even if - in the Premier League at least - they haven't quite hit the heights of last season. United’s winner-that-wasn’t-a-winner already feels a sliding doors moment in their season, but I still think there are frailties to be exposed.
Thomas Partey is a big miss for the Gunners and should allow James Maddison the freedom to take up the pockets of space where he is so effective. Arteta loves talking about a project and ‘Project Postecoglou’ is still in its infancy, so with that in mind, I’ll go for an entertaining score draw. Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham
Nathan Ridley
I think this’ll be a bridge too far for Tottenham. Maybe not so much as a brutal reality check, but reminder of how far Ange Postecoglou’s side have to go after a promising start to his tenure and the post-Harry Kane era.
Destiny Udogie will have a mammoth test up against Bukayo Saka, while James Maddison will face a truly functional midfield for the first time in a Spurs shirt. Arsenal aren’t without their faults, however, and continue to ship avoidable goals. I’ll go 3-1. Don’t be surprised if Tottenham take the lead, though. Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
Josh O'Brien
Tottenham have enjoyed a stellar start to the season and morale is high under new boss Ange Postecoglou.
However, I believe Arsenal will have too much attacking threat for their local rivals to handle and will resign Spurs to their first defeat this term. Mikel Arteta's men will be riding high after Wednesday night's dominant display in the Champions League and with Gabriel Jesus back in the side, I make the Gunners favourites for this one.
It will certainly be interesting to see how Spurs fare in their first North London Derby without talisman Harry Kane for quite some time, given they have actually looked more threatening without him. With that being said, William Saliba has picked up where he left off last campaign and looks unbeatable at the heart of Arsenal's defence. The Gunners will edge it. Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
William Saliba is a crucial player for Arsenal (Hans van der Valk/Orange Pictures/REX/Shutterstock)Tommy Wathen
When Tottenham sold Harry Kane hours before the transfer window slammed shut, Mikel Arteta probably thought he was heading into the North London Derby as firm favourites.
However, Ange Postecoglou's new style Spurs squad are not only matching Arsenal's unbeaten start to the Premier League season, but have scored four more goals and have a +3 better goal difference. Arsenal still hold the advantage when it comes to head-to-head Premier League encounters though, with four wins from the past five meetings, so the real test will be whether Ange has changed Tottenham's lagging mindset when it comes to performing when it really matters.
The midfield battle of Declan Rice vs James Maddison will be key to deciding who controls the game from the start and, alongside Martin Odegaard, I think this will be where Arsenal will find the advantage.
Plus, Son will have the weight of the world on his shoulders at the Emirates. Not only is he now the man to lead Tottenham into battle, but with Richarlison's inconsistency in front of goal, he is their best chance of getting the goals to win and the pressure could become too much for him. Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
Son Heung-min will captain Tottenham for the first time in a north London derby (Getty Images)John Cross
Mikel Arteta's record against Tottenham at the Emirates is just incredible - and that makes me wonder when that run will end.
Incredibly, Arteta has never lost to Spurs in the Premier League at the Emirates either as player or manager. Tottenham’s last win at the Emirates in the league was in November 2010.
I probably should not admit this but one of my oldest friends, a Spurs fan, was in the Arsenal end that day when Tottenham came from 2-0 down to win 3-2. He sat on his hands for the first, could not contain himself for the equaliser and promptly got chased out of the place.
Everyone expects Arsenal to win. But Spurs are in a much better place under Ange Postecoglou, they are playing well and the new manager is maximising the potential out of his squad.
They will come to the Emirates full of confidence while Arsenal’s best performance by far was the 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. Until then, Arsenal had not played that well this season. Derby matches are nearly impossible to call but there will be goals and I have a sneaky suspicion the away team might nick it. Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou has began life at Spurs brightly (Magi Haroun/REX/Shutterstock)Neil McLeman
It is the first high-profile match of the Ange Postecoglou reign - and a test of the Aussie's tactical acumen. PSV Eindhoven tried to take on Arsenal in an open football match in the Champions League last week and shipped in four goals.
Former Celtic boss Postecoglou has seen his new players quickly adapt to his Ange-ball methods in a superb start to the season. Few would have predicted Spurs would be above the Gunners on goal difference before this game after the summer departure of Harry Kane and the arrival across North London of Declan Rice.
His attacking approach is a welcome change for Spurs fans after the more cautious approaches under Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte. But how do Tottenham bid to end their poor recent record at Arsenal where they have won only once this century? Do they try to go toe-to-toe with Mikel Arteta's team? Or play more of a cat-and-mouse game at the Emirates Stadium?
It should be fascinating but this game comes a bit too soon for Spurs against a strong Arsenal team. Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
Matt Maltby
Is there a more likeable manager in the Premier League right now than Ange Postecoglou? I doubt it. You could throw Roy Hodgson into the debate, but unlike the Crystal Palace manager, the Spurs supremo is building something special in London and has enjoyed a spectacular start to the campaign.
An unbeaten start to the league season, which has seen Spurs make light work of Manchester United and produce an inspiring comeback against Sheffield United last time out, has got tongues wagging in certain parts of north London.
It's not just about his exploits on the training ground, though. The Australian is hugely impressive in press conferences, speaking eloquently on tough topics including the pressures on top-level footballers.
Obviously that doesn't guarantee a win for Spurs over their fierce rivals, but Postecoglou has obviously got his players on board - and quickly. Arsenal, also unbeaten, looked decent in their midweek Champions League win but, despite playing at home, I've got a feeling it will be a comfortable win for the visitors. Prediction: Arsenal 1-3 Tottenham
(Simon Dael/REX/Shutterstock)Conor Mummery
Arsenal did the double over Tottenham for the first time in nearly a decade last season, but Spurs are a very different proposition this time out. Antonio Conte's side were inert, scared and blunt as they rolled over for their neighbours home and away. There's no chance of that this season.
Tottenham may well lose at the Emirates on Sunday, but they won't do so cowering on the edge of their own box, they'll have a go and try and take the game to Arsenal and, as we saw last weekend against Sheffield United, won't stop until the final whistle.
Arsenal clicked into gear in the midweek rout of PSV, but Spurs will be a much sterner test for Mikel Arteta's side. Goals are nailed on, the home side are favourites for obvious reasons, but I've got a reputation to keep up. Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Tottenham
Colin Millar
Both sides are in strong form; Arsenal have rekindled the feel-good momentum that had dissipated in the closing months of last season while Tottenham fans are enjoying following their club for the first time since reaching the Champions League final four years ago.
Arsenal hold home advantage and have a stronger team that is much further along in its development under Mikel Arteta than Spurs are under Ange Postecoglou. However, Tottenham had a free midweek while the Gunners used a lot of emotional energy for a long overdue return to the Champions League.
Postecoglou will stick to his principles and take risks with a high defensive line in an attempt to put the Gunners on the backfoot. Arteta has focused on more control this season, but Spurs will be useful adversaries to disrupt it.
Arsenal laboured to a home draw against Fulham recently before they were a fraction away to slumping to a home loss to Manchester United, before a remarkable finish saw them home. They may need those fine margins to go their way again to see off Spurs, who will guarantee goals and entertainment. Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham
Darren Wells
It's been a while since Spurs took three points home from their fiercest enemies and, even for their recent revival under 'Ange-ball', I don't see that changing this time round.
Arsenal look to be gradually shaking off any summer rustiness to start clicking through the gears and I'd expect the Gunners to dominate possession and pounce on Spurs' defensive vulnerabilities at any opportunity.
That said, Gabriel Martinelli's potential absence does make the hosts slightly less of a threat while Postecoglou will be keen for his side to put their own stamp on the game. Confidence will be high among the visitors after their dramatic turnaround last weekend and they've shown they're capable of scoring goals despite Harry Kane's departure.
A lack of action in midweek should serve in Spurs' favour, but I can't see much of a European hangover in a hostile Emirates on derby day. It'll be close, but I fancy Arsenal to edge it - potentially with another late winner. Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
Bukayo Saka will be crucial for Arsenal again (Ian Stephen/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)Mark Jones
Right now Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham are a great advert for enjoying the journey no matter where it takes you. Buy into each other, embrace the positivity and you never know, you might just have a nice time along the way.
Tottenham fans deserve that given the dour negativity that has been served up to them by recent managers, and while it is the right approach in the long run, there is nothing that will test that mindset more than a one-off game like this one.
Because Arsenal want a team to come onto them and express themselves. The last thing they desire is a side that sits back, because sitting back makes them nervous and when they get nervous they start thinking about Manchester City.
So can Tottenham be smarter? Be a serious football team? Can they frustrate the Gunners and turn the Emirates from a stadium full of hope into one full of dread? I don't think they're quite there yet, but they're on the right track. Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham
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