Tottenham, traditionally a contender for the Premier League top four, has missed out on Champions League qualification over the past two seasons.
However, last season under new manager Ange Postecoglou showed positive signs, with Spurs finishing 5th, just two points short of a Champions League spot.
While missing out on Europe’s top competition, Tottenham did qualify for the Europa League group stage. This season, they started with a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Leicester before a dominant 4-0 victory over Everton.
However, they recently suffered a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, despite a strong performance led by Heung-Min Son.
Arsenal, coming close to winning the Premier League title in 2023 and 2024, are getting closer to ending their long title drought, which has lasted since 2004’s Invincibles season.
They’ve begun this season well, securing 2-0 wins over Wolverhampton and Aston Villa before being held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton ahead of the international break. Arsenal is also preparing to kick off their Champions League campaign against Atalanta.
Tottenham is dealing with several injuries in attack, with summer signing Dominic Solanke and Brazilian forward Richarlison unavailable. Additionally, key defender Micky van de Ven is doubtful. As a result, Spurs will rely heavily on captain Heung-Min Son, who has already netted two goals this season.
Summer signing Odobert, a young French winger, may also feature, while playmaker James Maddison, with two assists to his name, will be crucial.
Tottenham also saw significant departures this summer, including Skipp, Emerson, Rodon, Sessegnon, Ndombele, Dier, Hojbjerg, Bryan Gil, and Solomon, while bringing in players such as Gray, Bergvall, Solanke, Odobert, and Min-hyeok Yang.
Arsenal, too, faces injury concerns, with new recruit Mikel Merino, striker Gabriel Jesus, and defenders Tomiyasu and Tierney all sidelined.
Captain Martin Odegaard and defender Calafiori returned from international duty with injuries, while Declan Rice is suspended after receiving a red card against Brighton. Kai Havertz, who finished last season strongly, has continued his good form with two goals and one assist so far and is expected to start alongside Bukayo Saka, who has contributed one goal and three assists.
Arsenal also saw a number of exits, including Smith Rowe to Fulham, and loan deals for Ramsdale, Nketiah, Nelson, Lokonga, and Nuno Tavares. They reinforced their squad by permanently signing goalkeeper Raya, adding defender Calafiori, bringing in Merino from Real Sociedad, and securing Neto and Sterling on loan.
Prediction
Tottenham has struggled at home recently, winning just four of their last 18 Premier League games.
Arsenal, on the other hand, has been strong on the road, securing eight wins in their last 14 away matches. Given the current form of both teams and Tottenham’s injury concerns, Arsenal looks likely to come out on top.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal
