The Emirates Stadium is set to host one of the fiercest rivalries in English football as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur clash in the North London Derby on Wednesday night. With both teams needing a lift at this critical point in their respective campaigns, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal comes into the match off the back of two consecutive cup defeats, a run that has dented their confidence and raised questions about their ability to compete across multiple fronts. Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham has endured a turbulent Premier League season, sitting in the lower half of the table due to inconsistent performances and a mounting injury list.
This derby offers Arsenal a chance to reassert their dominance and Tottenham an opportunity to rebuild momentum. With both teams eager to claim the bragging rights, this promises to be another pulsating encounter.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Kick-Off: 20:00 BST
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: Simon Hooper
Recent Form
Arsenal’s Recent Form:
- Arsenal 0-2 Brighton (FA Cup)
- Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United (League Cup)
- Arsenal 3-0 Wolves (Premier League)
Tottenham’s Recent Form:
- Tottenham 1-0 Everton (FA Cup)
- Tottenham 1-1 Southampton (Premier League)
- Tottenham 0-2 Newcastle (Premier League)
Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal has dominated this fixture in recent times, going unbeaten in their last five meetings with Spurs. The Gunners edged the reverse fixture earlier this season with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Gabriel’s header from a Bukayo Saka corner. Tottenham’s last Premier League win at the Emirates came back in 2010, a fact that looms large over their preparations.
North. London. Derby.
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 15, 2025
Arsenal Team News
The Gunners injury list has grown longer after a bruising week. Gabriel Jesus is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, while Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ethan Nwaneri remain unavailable. Riccardo Calafiori is doubtful with a muscle issue, and Arteta will also be sweating on the fitness of Jurrien Timber and Jorginho, who both limped off against Manchester United.
Raheem Sterling could earn a recall after an impressive cameo in the Gunners last game, and the midfield trio of Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Ødegaard will provide the creative spark and defensive solidity.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Ødegaard; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli.
Tottenham Team News
Tottenham’s defensive issues persist with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies all doubtful. Archie Gray is expected to partner Radu Drăgușin in central defense once again, though Davies could return to the bench.
The good news for Spurs is the potential return of Richarlison, who could make an impact off the bench. However, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, and Rodrigo Bentancur remain sidelined. James Maddison will be key in pulling the strings for Spurs’ attack, supported by the in-form Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski.
Predicted Tottenham Lineup (4-3-3): Kinsky; Porro, Drăgușin, Gray, Spence; Bissouma, Bergvall, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son.
Key Tactical Battles
- Midfield Supremacy:
The battle between Arsenal’s Partey-Rice-Ødegaard trio and Tottenham’s Bissouma-led midfield will likely dictate the tempo of the game. Maddison’s ability to find space and link up with Son will be crucial for Spurs. - Defensive Frailties:
Both teams have defensive concerns. The Gunners improvised backline must contain Son’s pace and Kulusevski’s guile, while Spurs will need their makeshift defense to withstand Arsenal’s attacking firepower. - Set-Piece Threats:
Arsenal’s set-piece delivery has been a potent weapon, and with Tottenham’s vulnerability in defending dead balls, this could be a key area for the Gunners.
Jambobet Betting Predictions
- Full-Time Winner: Arsenal to win. The Gunners recent dominance in this fixture and Spurs’ defensive woes give the Gunners the edge.
- Both Teams to Score (GG): Yes. The attacking talent on both sides suggests goals are likely.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Yes. Expect an open game with chances at both ends.
Score Prediction
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
With both sides desperate for a result, this North London Derby promises to be tightly contested. The Gunners superior form and home advantage should see them edge past a resilient Spurs side, reigniting their campaign in the process.
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