It is the North London derby in the Premier League this weekend, as Arsenal and Tottenham face off in what will be a game of huge significance at the top end of the table.
Date: 28/04/24
Kick-off time: 14:00
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Arsenal had endured a bit of a slump recently, suffering a setback in the title race and getting knocked out of Europe at the quarter-final stage. They got back to winning ways during their latest trip to Wolves, in which they won 2-0. They currently sit top, overtaking leaders Man City, though the champions will have a game in hand following their FA Cup participation last weekend. Victory should be imperative for the Gunners, as the league title is no longer in their hands. They will need a favour or two from City’s opponents down the stretch.
Tottenham are embroiled in an intense battle with Aston Villa for the final Champions League place. They are six points behind Villa, who occupy fourth, with a game in hand, but have lost momentum after a terrible 4-0 loss at Newcastle last time out. They could also be nine points behind by the next time they play. Their spot in the top five should be secure, barring an untimely collapse, so they will be looking ahead rather than behind. A defeat would strengthen Villa’s position significantly, but a win should keep them well in the mix.
Ange Postecoglou’s defence has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, and this is a run that is likely to continue against an Arsenal side who have been shut out just twice in the last 13 league games, though those both occurred in the last month. Bukayo Saka will be the main goal threat, with his 14 goals on the season a club best. Kai Havertz should also provide a spark, whilst Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard are even more dangerous. Spurs will hope to have the services of Richarlison, who has scored 10 goals, to partner with Heung-Min Son, who leads the way with 15 strikes.
Since 2020, these two rivals have met eight times, all in the Premier League. There has not been much to split the pair, though Arsenal have edged it with four wins to Spurs’ three, and one draw. Goals have been common in this fixture, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of these meetings. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates. The hosts went in front from a Cristian Romero own goal, but Son equalised on the stroke of half-time. Saka restored the lead from the spot, though Son grabbed his second almost immediately after.