Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has now issued his prediction for Sunday’s North London Derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
Both sides are going into the game with a lot on their line in their respective seasons with Tottenham still pushing for a spot in the top four.
However, there is also the added motivation of Ange Postecoglou‘s side potentially being able to put a significant dent in the title push of their rivals.
The Lilywhites are going into the game on the back of a terrible result, however, with Newcastle United putting them to the sword for the second season in a row on Tyneside.
Heung-min Son has now spoken about the desire within in Hotspur Way to bounce back in style on Sunday in an apology to their fans.
The Gunners come into the game on the back of a devastating display against Chelsea earlier in the week to keep them sat top of the table.
And the Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal midfielder has now issued his verdict ahead of the game.
Paul Merson is expecting a one-sided game in the North London Derby
Earlier in the season when these two sides met, there was not an awful lot to separate the pair in Postecoglou’s first taste of the North London Derby.
Son was able to find the back of the net twice as Spurs came from behind on two occasions in a stadium where they’ve really struggled over the years.
Tottenham will be playing without Destiny Udogie on the weekend with the Italian now set to miss the remainder of the season.
Despite their meeting earlier in the season, it is apparent Merson only expecting one winner to come out of the game.
The former Arsenal man – as expected – sided with his former club as he spoke to Sportskeeda to provide his prediction for the game on Sunday.
“Tottenham have been superb at home this season but if you look at their last ten results – they’ve faced nine bottom half teams,” he said as he predicted a 3-1 Arsenal win.
“Manchester City were the only top-half team they faced in that period and they lost that game, so I can’t see them getting anything out of this one.
“Arsenal are just a better football team, so I’m very bullish on this one. I’ll be shocked if the Gunners don’t win this one as Spurs can’t beat Arsenal at their own game. When Arsenal lost to Aston Villa, they changed their team around by moving Kai Havertz into a midfield role to accommodate Gabriel Jesus, a move which ultimately backfired. In recent weeks, they ve gone back to Havertz up front with Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield – that is the team they must retain for the rest of the season!”
Tottenham’s recent home record against Arsenal shows Merson may be too confident
Playing away to Arsenal has proven a real difficult task for the Lilywhites over the years. However, playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a different matter.
Tottenham’s north London home has proven to be a real fortress for the Lilywhites over recent years when it comes to the North London Derby.
Here is a summary of the last 10 North London Derbies played at Tottenham in the league.
Although the Gunners are in fine form and they took the points last season, there is still a lot to be positive about for the Lilywhites going into the game.
