Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have both backed Arsenal to win the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners have been the dominant side in games against Spurs – historically as well as in recent seasons. They are the real kings of North London.
The Premier League leaders are on a seven-game unbeaten run against Tottenham, and the clash on Sunday will give them a chance to make it eight.
Merson predicted a narrow 1-0 win for Arsenal. Sutton has gone a bit wild with his prediction for the derby.
🔮 What is your score prediction for the North London derby: Tottenham _-_ Arsenal
Chris Sutton predicts Arsenal will make a ‘statement’ vs Tottenham in the North London Derby
It is no surprise that pundits are backing Arsenal to beat Tottenham.
Despite the recent draws against Brentford and Wolves, the Gunners are the best team in the Premier League and remain the favourites to win the title.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are 16th in the league table, just five points above the relegation zone.
They sacked Thomas Frank after their last game and have just hired Igor Tudor, who has never managed in the English top flight before.
Merson was a bit conservative with his prediction. He called a 1-0 win for Arsenal but claimed that he wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs emerged victorious.
Chris Sutton, however, has just predicted a ‘statement’ 3-0 win for the Gunners.
He wrote on BBC Sport: “It was an incredible wobble by Mikel Arteta’s team against Wolves, drawing 2-2 after being 2-0 up, and I certainly didn’t see it coming. Maybe it is getting to be ‘squeaky bum time’ for them, but it didn’t affect them when they went away to Leeds a couple of weeks ago and won convincingly.
“You can imagine how Spurs will be champing at the bit, and I am expecting them to make a fast start and have a real go at them – but Arsenal have to deal with that, and find a way of bouncing back.
“I think the Gunners can do that, and their quality will make the difference in the end. I worry about Spurs in forward areas, and it will be interesting to see how Tudor lines them up in defence too. Ultimately, if Arsenal turn up and play how we know they can, then they will win – and I am expecting them to make a real statement.”
Sutton’s prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-3 Arsenal
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Arsenal will make North London Derby history if Chris Sutton’s prediction comes true
Arsenal have been the superior side in North London Derby history, but their big wins against Tottenham have mostly come at home.
In fact, since the turn of the 21st century, the Gunners’ biggest win away at Spurs in the Premier League was a 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane in September 2007.
Arsenal have not beaten Tottenham away from home with a three-or-more-goal margin in the league in nearly 50 years. The last time it happened was in December 1978, when the Gunners won 5-0.
So, if Sutton’s prediction comes true, Arsenal will make North London Derby history by winning an away game with a three-goal margin for the first time ever in the Premier League.
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