Arsenal vs Tottenham: Premier League team news and prediction

The North London Derby takes place this week as Arsenal and Tottenham resume rivalries. The Gunners have a strong home league record against Spurs, and haven't lost to their foes at the Emirates in the Premier League since 2010. Spurs have also won just one of their last four in all competitions, that a penalty-shootout success over Wolves in the Carabao Cup in midweek, so the Gunners will fancy their chances of earning all three points this afternoon. 

Ahead of this clash, we provide all the necessary pre-match information, including what time this derby kicks off, where to watch the game, team news and probable XIs... 

When is kick off?            

Sunday 26th September, 16:30 GMT            

Where is the match?            

Emirates Stadium, London 

What TV channel is it on?            

Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League 

Season so far 

Both Arsenal and Tottenham have endured contrasting fortunes to kick off the campaign. Arsenal opened up 2021/22 with three successive defeats, falling to losses at the hands of Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City. However, they quickly recovered after the international break, with narrow victories over Norwich and Burnley lifting them away from danger and to within three points of Tottenham. 

Tottenham earned 1-0 wins over Manchester City, Wolves and Watford to kick off the season and that 100% start to the season saw Nuno Espirito Santo named the August Premier League manager of the month. Yet September has been a disaster for Spurs. They returned to domestic duties with a 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace and last Sunday, collapsed in the second half to lose 3-0 to Chelsea. They'll look to secure their first league win at Arsenal since 2010 today. 

Team news 

Granit Xhaka has served his suspension for Arsenal and is expected to return to the starting XI, potentially alongside Thomas Partey in the middle of the park. Kieran Tierney is Mikel Arteta's only injury concern, though he is expected to be fit to start the North London Derby. Arteta has a decision to make in the final third, with Nicolas Pepe and Emile Smith Rowe battling to join Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard in support of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 

Tottenham boss Nuno Espirto Santo is hoping to have Lucas Moura available for selection at Arsenal, but is without Ryan Sessegnon and Steven Bergwijn for the short trip across the capital. Giovani Lo Celso may therefore keep his spot in the side, but Tanguy Ndombele, after playing the full 90 in midweek, is set to drop out of the side at the expense of Oliver Skipp from the side that started against Chelsea last week. 

Probable XIs 

Arsenal (4231) - Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang

Tottenham (433) - Lloris; Emerson, Romero, Dier, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Skipp, Dele; Son, Kane, Lo Celso

Key Battle: Kieran Tierney vs Sergio Reguilon

Two left-backs who are fan favourites with their respective clubs, it's fair to say neutral supporters have every right to expect more from Kieran Tierney and Sergio Reguilon, particularly in the final third. The duo have registered just six assists between them since the start of the 2020/21 Premier League season, chipping in with three apiece, whereas, by comparison, Liverpool's Andy Robertson has seven to his name over the same period.

One of Tierney's three assists came in this game last season as the Scot turned provider for Martin Odegaard to draw the Gunners level in their eventual 2-1 home win. Tierney's Arsenal performance in that North London Derby yielded a WhoScored rating of 7.54, that his third best in a Premier League match, and fans will hope for another strong showing from the Scotland international this afternoon.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham