The latest edition of the North London derby is just around the corner, with Tottenham holding one clear advantage over their rivals Arsenal coming into the tie.
Spurs play host to the Gunners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, with the result likely to have huge implications on the season outcome for either team.
Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that the Lilywhites can bounce back from their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United last time out, which put a dent in the side’s top-four hopes.
Champions League qualification is still in Tottenham’s grasp though, as they hold two games in hand over Aston Villa in fourth, with six points separating the two teams.
Another three points added to that tally on Sunday would certainly help their cause, but victory in the North London Derby often means more than just a win for both Arsenal and Spurs.
It represents bragging rights and an opportunity to do some damage to the hopes and dreams of your nearest rivals.
Arsenal sit at the top of the league and with their title ambitions still intact, though Spurs will be looking to put a roadblock in their path.
Why do Tottenham have an advantage over Arsenal?
Arsenal appear to be the favourites heading into the tie, with Tottenham’s mixed form, performances and a key injury to Destiny Udogie all playing a part in the build-up.
However, the fixture schedule has given Spurs boss Postecoglou a slight advantage over his counterpart Mikel Arteta.
The Lilywhites had their clash against Manchester City rearranged due to FA Cup commitments, resulting in a two-week break following the defeat to Newcastle.
That time should give the squad a much-needed fitness boost before facing Arsenal, as well as more time to analyse the opposition in training.
Compare that time frame to the schedule of the red half of north London and the workload they are facing.
The Gunners have played twice a week since the international break in March, with the latest round of matches putting them up against Wolves and Chelsea – both of which they dispatched with relative ease.
It will be a different challenge when both teams face off on Sunday as a fresh Spurs on the hunt for points and bragging rights aim for a first North London Derby win since 2022.
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Tottenham vs Arsenal head-to-head record
Tottenham have only won one of their last six meetings with Arsenal in the North London Derby, which has flipped the script from their five unbeaten clashes before that.
Postecoglou did manage to avoid defeat in his first taste of the bitter rivalry, picking up a 2-2 draw in September 2023.
The head-to-head record largely favours the Gunners though, who have 19 more wins than Spurs in the encounter.
