Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal in Saturday’s North London derby in a game that could have a huge impact on the top four prospects of both sides.
Spurs go into the game with a four-point advantage over their fierce near neighbours but have lost two consecutive Premier League games at Burnley and Chelsea, prompting manager. Mauricio Pochettino, to state it is now “impossible” for Spurs to win this season’s league title.
Behind what is now seen to be a two-horse race for the title between Liverpool and Manchester City, Spurs now find themselves embroiled in a four-way battle for the two remaining top four places. Spurs are in pole position with 60 points from 28 games, ahead of Arsenal (56 points from 28), Manchester United (55 points from 28 games) and Chelsea (53 points from 27 games). However, they cannot afford to drop points at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Tottenham are undoubtedly under more pressure than Arsenal ahead the weekend’s meeting. Pochettino has never lost at home to Arsenal as Spurs manager and he has also never lost three successive games. He has once again been forced to dismiss rumours about his future at Spurs.
Pochettino explained, “My doubt is not about my future here,” said Pochettino. “After five years, I really believe we do a fantastic job for the club.
“If now the expectation is that it is not enough to play well, be a contender for top four and be in the Champions League for the third year in a row, if now the obligation is that it is compulsory to win a title because we are doing so well, you need to compare with other teams. In that comparison, you can be fair or unfair in your opinion. People judge us and put pressure on us if we have not won a trophy. Is that fair or not fair? “
He added, “If we compete with the same tools or different tools? If we [are] at the same level or not? Because we are not going to change the way we operate.”
Recent Bragging Rights
Spurs are aiming for a third consecutive win at home to Arsenal in the top-flight for the first time since 1961. They also boast a record of just one loss in their last ten home games against The Gunners.
Neither side have an impressive record recently against their ‘Big Six’ rivals. Arsenal have not beaten any of their five main rivals on the road in 21 previous attempts. Their last win on the road against a fellow Big Six side came against Manchester City way back in January 2015.
Spurs do not fare much better against the Big Six. Five of their seven league defeats this season have come against their top-six rivals.
Worth A Punt
Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on Portsmouth’s record of 38 Premier League games without a draw. Since last April, Spurs have played 32 league games without recording a single stalemate. If you fancy them to keep that incredible run going then InterBet’s odds of 2/7 on a win for either side could be just the ticket.
The first and anytime scoring markets are an interesting proposition with several players set to attract plenty of interest. Spurs talisman, Harry Kane is the 16/5 favourite to open the scoring at Wembley. The England international has scored eight goals in eight Premier League North London derbies. The eight-goal haul is matched only by Emmanuel Adebayor who played for both sides.
The form of Son Heung-Min has provided Spurs with a huge boost since his return from the Asia Cup. The Tottenham forward has scored in each of Tottenham’s last four matches at home in all competitions. Son is 7/2 to open the scoring and 20/21 to score anytime.
For Arsenal, Aubameyang has already scored six goals in London derbies this season. The Gunners’ top scorer is 6/5 to score at any time on Saturday and 9/2 to score first.
Another Arsenal player enjoying a purple patch in front of goal is Armenian midfielder, Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The former Manchester United man has scored four goals and claimed three assists in his last four Premier League appearances. You can back Mkhitaryan to score first at 17/2 or any time at 5/2.
Saturday’s North London derby will be played on the 30th birthday of Spurs defender, Toby Alderweireld. Will the Belgian enjoy a birthday to remember or one to forget? Back Alderweireld to score first at 40/1 or any time at 14/1. Alternatively, you can bet on the birthday boy to pick up the game’s first yellow card at 10/1.
Match Odds
Tottenham Hotspur – 99/100
Draw – 251/100
Arsenal – 281/100
There are six more Premier League games taking place on Saturday. Visit InterBet.com ahead of the day’s matches and get all the latest pre-match odds. New customers can benefit from a welcome bonus of £10 when they sign up.