We turn our attention to tonight’s Premier League North London derby at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal will host Tottenham. Can the Gunners recover from a disappointing week in cup competitions?
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Arsenal vs Tottenham: Match Preview
As the second North London derby of the season approaches, discontent is evident among both Arsenal and Tottenham supporters.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been consistent in the Premier League, positioning themselves as potential challengers should leaders Liverpool falter. However, consecutive setbacks in domestic cup competitions have cast doubt over their campaign, leaving them staring at the possibility of a fifth straight trophyless season.
Trailing 2-0 in their EFL Cup semi-final against Newcastle United and eliminated from the FA Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Manchester United, Arsenal have faced sharp criticism in recent days.
Defensively, Arsenal have been formidable in the Premier League, conceding just 18 goals—the best record in the 2024-25 season. However, their attacking struggles have been well-documented. The team’s average of 1.75 expected goals (xG) per game this season is a dip from 2.04 in 2023-24 and 1.90 in 2022-23. Injuries to key players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka have undoubtedly played a role, but their recent woes stem from failing to capitalize on chances rather than creating them.
In last week’s cup defeats to Newcastle and Manchester United, Arsenal dominated, generating 3.2 and 3.3 xG, respectively, but managed just one goal, underperforming their combined xG by 5.5. Against United, despite having a numerical advantage following Diogo Dalot’s red card and the additional time in extra-time, they couldn’t find the finishing touch.
Across both matches, Kai Havertz attempted nine shots from inside the penalty area, amassing 1.91 xG. However, his inability to convert key opportunities—including a costly miss in the penalty shootout against United—highlighted the team’s recent inefficiency in front of goal.
Havertz’s Premier League stats this season aren’t dreadful, with the former Chelsea player netting seven goals from 7.81 xG, reflecting only a slight underperformance. However, his shooting efficiency raises concerns. Among players who have scored at least five league goals this season, Havertz ranks among the least accurate, with only 50% of his shots on target—a percentage lower than Brennan Johnson, Antoine Semenyo, and Morgan Rogers.
With Gabriel Jesus stretchered off against Manchester United, Havertz is expected to lead the line again on Wednesday. Spurs should be cautious, though; Havertz’s last 11 Premier League goals have all been scored in London. The last Arsenal player to achieve a longer streak of London-only goals was Lukas Podolski, who netted 12 between December 2012 and April 2014.
On the other side, Tottenham have their challenges. Ange Postecoglou’s side leads their EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool and progressed in the FA Cup with a 3-0 extra-time victory over Tamworth on Sunday. However, their Premier League form is troubling, with just one win in their last eight games, leaving them 12th in the table.
Criticism of Postecoglou often focuses on his unwavering commitment to his tactical principles, even at the expense of results. This rigidity has been heavily scrutinized, particularly during Spurs’ recent slump, which has seen them collect only five points from eight league matches. Their sole win in that period came against Southampton, the league’s bottom club. Only Leicester City (4 points) and Southampton (1 point) have performed worse during this stretch.
Still, there are signs of adaptability. Last week’s EFL Cup first-leg win over Liverpool hinted at a more pragmatic side to Postecoglou’s system. In that game, Spurs had just 39.9% possession—their fourth-lowest share under Postecoglou—and employed more long balls (49) and a higher proportion of long passes (11.7%) than in any match this season. Lucas Bergvall’s winning goal came from one such long ball by Pedro Porro, suggesting that Spurs might have the versatility to mix things up when required.
Tottenham maintained their high-pressing approach but showed more caution in playing out from the back, acknowledging Liverpool’s prowess in counter-pressing. A similar strategy could serve them well on Wednesday, especially with key defenders Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies still unavailable.
Spurs’ build-up play has often been error-prone this season, with only Southampton (36) and Aston Villa (23) committing more mistakes leading to shots than Tottenham (21). Adjusting their approach against the league’s strongest teams was long overdue.
However, Tottenham have also capitalized on opposition errors better than anyone else in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals from such mistakes. So while their build-up may be more cautious, their pressing intensity is unlikely to wane.
This season, Spurs lead the league in final-third pressures with 1,321, and striker Dominic Solanke tops all players with 386 pressures—over 100 more than second-placed Erling Haaland (275).
With Arsenal eager to rediscover their scoring form and Tottenham relentless in their pressing game, fans can expect a thrilling North London derby under the Emirates floodlights.
Arsenal vs Tottenham: Head-to-head
Arsenal have claimed victory in six of their last eight Premier League encounters with Spurs (D1 L1) and are aiming to secure three consecutive wins against their rivals for the first time since a five-match streak ending in January 1989.
After their 1-0 triumph at Tottenham in September, Arsenal have the chance to complete a Premier League double over Spurs for the fifth time. Notably, the Gunners have only managed this feat without conceding in both matches once before, during the 2013-14 season.
Tottenham’s struggles at Arsenal’s home ground are well-documented. They have won just once in their last 31 Premier League visits, drawing 12 and losing 18. Moreover, they remain winless in 13 trips to the Emirates since their memorable 3-2 victory in November 2010.
Arsenal vs Tottenham: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Arsenal – Team News
Arsenal are expected to have both Jorginho and Jurrien Timber available for tonight’s Premier League showdown against Tottenham.
The pair were substituted during Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, but Mikel Arteta clarified it was due to cramp. “He (Jorginho) was cramping when we played extra time,” said Arteta. “Jurrien was exactly the same. He’s fine.”
Riccardo Calafiori could also return to the squad after missing Sunday’s match with an injury. “His thing is not too much but we need another day or two,” said Arteta.
“We’re playing every three days and 24 hours, which becomes really important because they’re not long-term injuries in that case, for example. We will have more understanding this afternoon.”
Raheem Sterling may start his first match since December 18 as Arsenal search for attacking solutions following Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury last month. Gabriel Jesus initially filled in during the United match but had to be taken off due to a serious knee injury.
Sterling impressed after coming off the bench and could now feature more prominently, having recovered from his own knee injury sustained last month.
Injured: Jesus (knee), Saka (hamstring), Tomiyasu (knee), White (knee)
Arsenal – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Raya
- Defenders – Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders – Odegaard, Merino, Rice
- Forwards – Havertz, Martinelli, Trossard
Tottenham – Team News
Lucas Bergvall has given Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou a selection dilemma ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash against rivals Arsenal.
With Dejan Kulusevski likely to feature in the front three, Bergvall is vying for one of three midfield spots alongside Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and James Maddison. The Swedish midfielder was the only one of the quartet not to start in Sunday’s 3-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Tamworth, leaving him well-rested for a potential return to the starting XI against a struggling Arsenal side.
Postecoglou’s defensive setup is largely settled, with January signing Antonin Kinsky set to make his third appearance in a week as goalkeeper. While Ben Davies has resumed training after recovering from a hamstring injury, he is unlikely to feature in the squad. Forwards Richarlison and Mikey Moore, however, are expected to be available on the bench.
Brennan Johnson is anticipated to drop out of the starting lineup after an underwhelming display against Tamworth, while Timo Werner, who also struggled in that game, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Rodrigo Bentancur (concussion) remains unavailable, and defenders Cristian Romero (quad) and Micky van de Ven (hamstring) are not expected to return until later this month. Guglielmo Vicario (foot) is aiming for a late-February comeback, while Wilson Odobert (hamstring) continues to face a long-term absence.
Injured: Werner, Bentancur, Romero, Van de Ven, Odobert, Vicario, Udogie
Tottenham – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Kinsky
- Defenders – Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence
- Midfielders – Bissouma, Sarr, Kulusevski
- Forwards – Son, Solanke, Johnson
Arsenal vs Tottenham: Match Prediction
Arsenal’s lack of clinical finishing in front of goal can no longer be attributed to sheer misfortune—it’s a matter of execution. Without Saka, the Gunners lack decisive finishers in the final third.
Despite this, Arsenal continues to dominate matches with impressive control and should find opportunities to exploit Tottenham’s weakened defense, given the visitors’ extensive injury list. However, Spurs have shown resilience, growing in cohesion despite missing key players. Kinsky’s arrival has provided immediate stability to their backline.
While this game might lack end-to-end excitement, it could deliver late drama in what promises to be a closely fought contest at the Emirates.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham
When and Where to Watch the Arsenal vs Tottenham Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The highly anticipated Premier League clash between Arsenal and Tottenham is set for Thursday, January 16, at the Emirates Stadium, kicking off at 1:30 am. (IST). The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network for TV viewers, while online streaming will be available on Disney+ Hotstar, allowing fans to follow the high-stakes game on their preferred device. With a thrilling encounter anticipated at the Etihad stadium, supporters won’t want to miss a moment of this Premier League showdown.
Read More: Why Arsenal Are Favourites for the North London Derby vs Tottenham Tonight
FAQs
What is Arsenal’s recent form ahead of the North London Derby?
Arsenal has won six of their last eight league games against Tottenham and boasts the Premier League’s best defensive record this season, conceding only 18 goals. However, they are struggling with inefficiency in front of goal, especially without Bukayo Saka.
How have injuries impacted Tottenham’s squad for the Arsenal clash?
Tottenham faces a depleted defense with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies sidelined. Key attackers like Timo Werner and Rodrigo Bentancur are also unavailable, leaving Spurs heavily reliant on their midfield and Lucas Bergvall’s contributions.
What is Arsenal’s expected lineup for the North London Derby?
Jorginho and Jurrien Timber are fit to play despite concerns from their previous FA Cup game. Raheem Sterling could start, given Gabriel Jesus’ injury and Bukayo Saka’s absence.
How have Tottenham adjusted their tactics under Ange Postecoglou?
Tottenham has shown flexibility by playing fewer short passes and relying on a more pragmatic approach in games like their 1-0 win over Liverpool. This shift reflects Postecoglou’s adaptation to their injury crisis.
What’s the prediction for the Arsenal vs. Tottenham clash?
A closely contested game is expected, with Arsenal controlling possession and Spurs looking for opportunities through their pressing game. A tense 1-1 draw is the predicted outcome.
