North London derbies are always a treat. But, this is probably the weirdest, lowest stakes edition of the tie for decades. Neither team is fighting for the top four for the first time since 1994-1995. That said, it’s still a North London derby and it’s still Jose Mourinho vs Arsenal. Those factors alone make it can’t miss television.
Tottenham has struggled since the restart. They’ve only won two of their five matches post Covid-19 stoppage. That form has all but ended their Champions League hopes, so the rest of the season is about getting into the Europa League.
Arsenal struggled out of the gates, but they have found form since football came back, winning four of their last five matches. That recovery is still too late to put them in the Champions League race. So, similar to their rivals, they are playing to get into the Europa League.
Team News
Mourinho will be without some key pieces for this derby. Juan Foyth and Japhlet Tanganga are ruled out, Dele Alli is an injury doubt and Eric Dier is suspended, according to PremierInjuries.com.
Mikel Arteta will be even more shorthanded. Pablo Mari, Bernd Leno, Gabriel Martinelli and Calum Chambers are out injured, Mesut Ozil is doubtful to play and Eddie Nketiah will miss out through suspension, according to PremierInjuries.com.
Key Players
Tottenham: Son Heung-min
Son has contributed to more Premier League goals than anyone else in the Spurs squad. His nine goals and nine assists make him the second-leading scorer and leader in assists. With Harry Kane struggling this season, it’s pretty clear that Son is the best attacker in the white half of North London.
Arsenal: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang is back in the thick of the golden boot race. His 20 goals have kept Arsenal treading water and put him second in the league, two behind Jamie Vardy. He’s the reason Arsenal’s season hasn’t been a complete disaster and could prevent this match from going the wrong way.
Prediction
Tottenham’s form leaves them in a bad place for the derby. They still have talent and home advantage, whatever that means these days. This could go either way.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
