The first North London derby takes place this weekend, and Peter Crouch has just given his score prediction between Arsenal and Tottenham.
Arsenal have just been dealt the heavy blow of losing Gabriel Magalhaes to injury for over a month after the defender suffered a groin issue for Brazil.
But thanks to Arsenal’s improved squad depth, Mikel Arteta’s team still has more than enough quality to record yet another win over their bitter rivals.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash, Peter Crouch has been giving his take on how he thinks the game will play out between the two North London teams.
Peter Crouch predicts the North London derby
Crouch has predicted that Arsenal will beat Tottenham 3-1 in the North London derby this weekend.
The former Tottenham striker believes that his old club are better away from home, but is still backing the Gunners to get the job done.
On the weekend, Arsenal are aiming to win a fourth North London derby in a row, which would be the first time that has happened since 1988.
In fact, Spurs’ recent record against the Gunners is rather shocking, as they have just one win in their last nine meetings with their fierce rivals.
“You’d expect Arsenal to win, I know Spurs have struggled there in recent times. Before the international break, I was actually at the Manchester United game, when they got it back and then let it slip again. But actually away from home, Spurs have been much better,” claimed Crouch.
Crouch is right about their poor record at the Emirates Stadium, as Harry Redknapp, back in 2010, is the only Spurs boss to win on the new site in N5.
Meanwhile, former Fulham and Chelsea man Steve Sidwell agrees that Arsenal will win and told the That Peter Crouch Podcast: “They are away to Arsenal, who are going for the title this year, and they do look good. Well, there’s a lot of stuff about anti-Arsenal on this podcast as well. I’m on all the forums, so I’m going to go for Arsenal 2-0.”
Arsenal will be hoping that Manchester City drop points away at Newcastle United on the evening prior and then capitalise against Spurs in the derby.
Assessing how many Tottenham players would start for Arsenal
Given the form of both Arsenal and Tottenham, it’s hard to make the case for many of Thomas Frank’s players getting into this current Arsenal team.
Spurs have had a handful of strong performers this season, like Mohammed Kudus and Micky van de Ven, but aside from that, it’s tough to fit any others in.
Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero are other contenders to make the team, but the Gunners’ defensive record speaks for itself, and it’s impossible to break up that back four.
Arsenal Insider’s North London derby combined line-up: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Kudus.
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