Spurs v Arsenal – Match Preview

Spurs v Arsenal – Match Preview

Spurs welcome Arsenal to White Hart Lane on Saturday with both teams very much in the title race. With just ten league matches remaining, Spurs currently sit in 2nd spot in the table behind Leicester City, with their North London rivals Arsenal in 3rd. Victory for Spurs would put a massive dent into Arsenal’s title ambitions and Saturday’s match could be pivotal in this season’s title race.

Spurs go into Saturday’s match having lost to London rivals West Ham on Wednesday evening. A run of six consecutive victories before this defeat however, has propelled Spurs into the title race as they hunt down their first ever Premier League title and their first domestic title since 1961. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has energised Spurs this season and they have been in fantastic form both in attack and defence. A +27 goal difference is the best in the Premier League, helped by having conceded just 22 goals in their 28 league matches so far. Their title challenge has been based on some excellent home form also, losing just twice at home so far this season and winning their last four home league matches. Spurs have responded well to defeat this season and Pochettino will be hopeful that this continues as Spurs face their biggest league match in decades. Pochettino is set to welcome Mousa Dembele back after injury and also a fully fit Dele Alli who has been in and out of the side in recent weeks. Spurs will look to Harry Kane to provide the attacking spark against Arsenal, with Kane having scored 13 goals in just 17 appearances against Arsenal, including three goals in the last two league matches.

Arsenal go into the match having lost three consecutive competitive matches for the first time since 2010, following their shock midweek defeat at home to Swansea. Wenger will be keen to ensure that his side do not lose four matches in a row, as defeat could all but end Arsenal’s title challenge. In a season where Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have struggled for league form, failure to lift the title this season would be seen as a failure. Arsenal are struggling for form away from the Emirates, having just won two of their last eight away matches. Arsenal will be without first choice keeper Petr Cech, who suffered a groin injury when going up for an injury time corner in midweek as Arsenal chased an equaliser. Defender Laurent Koscielny also looks set to miss Saturday’s match with a calf injury. Defeat for Arsenal on Saturday would be their third straight league defeat and leave them six points adrift from the top. Arsene Wenger has commented that he is worried about his players mentality and he will be hoping that they can put their title ambitions back on track with a victory.

Arsenal are the 3 (2/1) favourites for Saturday’s match with Spurs available at 2.50 (6/4) and the Draw 3.25 (9/4). The football betting tip for Saturday’s match is the Draw at 3.25 (9/4).

By: Scott McGlynn