Undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first North London derby of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The Lilywhites will be hoping to put a dent in the Mikel Arteta-managed side’s title credentials while re-establishing themselves as contenders for a spot in next season’s Champions League after collecting just four points from a possible nine. They were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park before the international break, despite dominating large periods of the game.
Ange Postecoglou is yet to win this special fixture—having drawn at the Emirates Stadium and lost at home last season. So, he will be desperate to break that duck and help Spurs win their first North London derby since May 2022.
Tottenham Team News
Tottenham have received a double injury boost ahead of the high-voltage clash, with both Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven declared fit by Ange Postecoglou to face Arsenal. Solanke missed the last two games with an ankle problem while Van de Ven sat out the defeat to Newcastle with a knee issue.
However, the hosts could be without Yves Bissouma, who got injured on international duty with Mali. Richarlison, meanwhile, has been definitely ruled out of Sunday’s game.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Guglielmo Vicario will be hoping to put in a big performance in goal against Arsenal. As Arteta’s men are one of the best teams in set-pieces, the Italian will need to be ready to thwart that threat and keep his net safe.
Defence
Van de Ven’s return from injury is a big boost for Spurs. He will slot straight into central defence alongside Cristian Romero, allowing the hosts to operate in a high defensive line. Radu Dragusin, who deputised for the injured Dutchman at Newcastle, will drop to the bench.
Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro are attacking full-backs who provide a lot of width, flair and energy in stitching attacks. The duo, however, have to be switched on defensively against top Arsenal wingers.
Midfield
With Yves Bissouma suffering a slight tweak in his hamstring on international duty, Ange Postecoglou is unlikely to risk him from the start. This may result in Rodrigo Bentancur start alongside Pape Sarr in the middle of the park, with James Maddison enjoying a free role.
As Arsenal have been weakened due to the absences of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino, the trio of Bentancur, Sarr and Maddison have the quality to dominate the visitors in midfield and control the game for Spurs.
Attack
Dominic Solanke has overcome his ankle issue and looks ready to start his first North London derby. He will be raring to make a mark by either scoring or assisting a goal. The 26-year-old should lead the Tottenham attack.
Son Heung-min is a certain starter, and he must be keen to add to his eight-goal tally against the Gunners. The South Korean will start on the left, while Dejan Kulusevski hopes to cause problems from the opposite flank. The likes of Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are expected to get minutes off the bench.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
