Tottenham–Arsenal

Igor Tudor. Learn the name. Maybe don't worry too much about it, because if things go as usual he won't be around for very long. Tudor is the new manager of Spurs, and will have his baptism of fire on Sunday, against arch-rivals Arsenal. The derby in the north of London is intense and tough, and it might as well just jump in. The temperature is high, and even though the home team can barely field a team during the day, this will probably be a fight from the first whistle. The visitors Arsenal are rubbing their eyes. Will it really work out again? The draw against Wolves in midweek was a heavy blow to the title ambitions, and especially after leading 2-0, this should have been avoided. Arteta is probably feeling the breath of his old mentor Pep on his neck now, knowing that when this match kicks off the gap could be reduced to two points. Things are closing in, and it feels like everything is in the pot this Sunday.

Tottenham – Five points away from relegation

Because that's how bad it is. Tottenham is about to record a pitch-dark league season. In stark contrast to the situation in the Champions League. But then again, the Premier League is the bread and butter for these teams, and this is where the foundation for new adventures should be laid. As of now, the adventure is about to turn into a tragedy, and if you can't get your sails going, you'll be relegated. After 26 rounds, the league position is no coincidence.

And then Arsenal come to visit. It never really suits me, but maybe a match like that is what is needed to get things moving a bit? You lose matches one after another anyway, so maybe a big match like this will awaken something in this team. Both that, and a possible effect of a new manager, are what you have to hit the table with. Because otherwise it is terribly thin. If we started listing the injured players, we would have been on it all day. Just about every single offensive player is in poor form, and the value of having Kudus, Kulusevski and Maddison back would have been enormous. But then again, Tottenham have to make do with what they have at the moment.

Nevertheless, Spurs have scored a good number of goals lately. Two against City, a goal against Newcastle, a goal in the Champions League, and they have a habit of scoring against Arsenal. These games tend to be goal-heavy, and maybe right now, with a slightly uncertain Arsenal on the other side of the pitch, Tottenham can once again score a couple of goals? Whether it will be enough for points is unknown, perhaps most likely not, but I think they will try, and maybe also succeed with some good attacks.

Arsenal – Don't breathe, don't blink, don't lose faith and don't look over your shoulder

For now, it's Arsenal. The criticism has been that you're boring to watch, that you only rely on set pieces, and that important offensive players don't offer to dance. But does this really mean much? I would assume that Arteta accepts all the criticism in the world if it still results in the big bucket. You're close now, but you've been close before too.

The match against Wolverhampton is symptomatic. A match that must be won every day of the week, and where you can easily underestimate the Wolves. A classic example of teams in these situations that consider this particular match as an opportunity to let themselves down 10%. But what usually happens then? Yes, you mess it up. The Premier League is so tough that you can't afford to take your foot off the gas pedal. Arsenal did this, and with it messed up a comfortable 2-0 lead. The two lost points invite Manchester City into the match, and if Arsenal also leave points in London this Sunday, the light blues from Manchester could potentially sneak past. Simply brutal.

Ødegaard is struggling with a lack of form and a minor injury. So are Havertz and Merino. What is new is that Saka and Trossard are also uncertain, after tough duels against Wolves in midweek. Tough absences for Arsenal this, and unfortunately several in the same position on the field. It is possible that the Spaniard on the sidelines will have to think a little differently before visiting Spurs.

The last two in the Premier League have ended in draws. Both against Wolves and against Brentford they conceded, and the tight defense has shown some cracks. For the time being, there is no complete crisis to be traced. Arsenal have one solitary loss against Manchester United in about the last 20 games. The reason why people may now focus a little on the two straight points ties is that they come at a critical time in the season. This is when you have to keep the heat on, and this is where Arsenal have failed before. This ghost should not be underestimated, and just the thought of what has happened before can make even the calmest midfield general run to the toilet an extra time before kick-off. Arsenal must respond now.

Conclusion – The guests are favorites, but do they dare to believe it themselves?

Arsenal should win this one. There are many factors that point to an away win, and there are slightly fewer factors that indicate a home win or a draw. But the aspects are there. Such as a new manager for Spurs, the opportunity to put a spoke in the wheel of the enemy, and the fact that Arsenal are faltering a little. The total creates an exciting symphony of football and human factors. If you say that nerves usually play a role, they will certainly do so on Sunday.

We don't dare to predict the winner. The guests are favorites, but the odds are rising a little. It may have something to do with the situations of Saka and Trossard. What we have landed on, however, is that Arsenal, in their third straight away game in the Premier League, will once again have to accept goals against. Whether that means losing points for the third time in a row is more uncertain, but these are the points the table leaders will really have to fight for. If you love football, and if you love matches with nerves, then you'll be here. Arteta usually has a somewhat nervous appearance on the pitch, and it's questionable whether he shouldn't consider a Valium before kick-off on Sunday.

If this is a fight for points towards the end, all the set pieces will come. The home team will probably try to avoid this, but as more and more shots are made, the corners will also come. This will be our alternative angle. Enjoy the game!

England at 17:30: Tottenham - Arsenal: Both teams to score (1.84)

Alternative game

England at 17:30: Tottenham - Arsenal: Over 9.5 corners (1.71)