There is so little between Arsenal and Tottenham this season that every little decision will count as they square off this Saturday (watch live, 7:30am ET on USA Network and online via NBCSports.com) in the north London derby.
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Mikel Arteta and Antonio Conte have overseen superb starts to the season for their teams, with the Gunners top of the table and they are just one point and two places above unbeaten Spurs.
After Tottenham pipped Arsenal to a top four finish late last season, this rivalry has gone to new levels and both believe they can finish in the top four this season, at the very least.
Below we take a closer look at form, head-to-head info, projected lineups and a prediction for what promises to be a classic Arsenal vs Tottenham clash in the north London derby.
Arsenal vs Tottenham recent Premier League form
Arsenal last five fixtures - WLWWW | Last match: 3-0 win at Brentford
Tottenham last five fixtures - WWDWW | Last match: 6-2 win vs Leicester City
Who has more wins, Arsenal or Tottenham? (all competitions head-to-head)
Tottenham wins: 67
Arsenal wins: 84
Draws: 54
Projected lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
----- Ramsdale -----
--- White --- Saliba --- Gabriel --- Zinchenko ---
---- Partey ---- Xhaka ----
---- Saka ---- Odegaard ---- Martinelli ----
----- Jesus -----
If Partey is out with injury then Arteta has a big decision to make in midfield: does Lokonga come in? Or does Odegaard drop deeper with Vieira coming in to an attacking midfield role? Elsewhere, Zinchenko will likely start ahead of Tierney if both are fit, while Zinchenko could also start in holding midfield given his incredible vesatility.
Tottenham (3-4-2-1)
----- Lloris -----
---- Romero ---- Dier ---- Davies ----
--- Emerson --- Hojbjerg --- Bentancur --- Perisic ---
---- Richarlison ---- Son ----
----- Kane -----
The back three picks itself, if everyone is fit, with Llenget and Sanchez coming in and doing okay when injuries have flared up. But the big debate is what Spurs do with Kulusevski potentially out. Does Richarlison come in for him? Or does Yves Bissouma start in midfield and the formation switch to a 3-5-2 with Son supporting Kane in attack? If it’s the latter, that would give Spurs extra defensive cover in the engine room.
Arsenal vs Tottenham prediction
This is going to be a very close game with these managers, players and clubs so evenly-matched across the board. Arsenal have been in better form but are battling with some key injuries, while Spurs look more capable of grinding out results when they’re not at their best. All of that adds up to an entertaining draw. I’m going for 2-2.
