It is a North London derby with more than just the rivalry this time round, as both Tottenham and Arsenal face off in what could be the most important game in their seasons
It is a North London derby with more than just the rivalry this time round, as both Tottenham and Arsenal face off in what could be the most important game in their seasons.
Spurs came away with a hard-fought point against Liverpool last time out, while the Gunners reigned victorious against Leeds United.
Tottenham
The postponement of the North London derby which was due to be played months ago, now sets up to be a season-defining moment for both sides, though for Spurs it is make or break.
Having won five of their last seven Premier League games, Spurs find themselves in fifth position on 62 points, now four away from their rivals on 66 points.
Conte’s side put in a strong performances against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Anfield, with Hueng-min Son putting his side level early on. It was a heavily deflected Luiz Diaz goal which meant both sides had to settle for a point apiece.
The Italian manager only has one win in his last eight matches against Arsenal as a manager, which he’ll be hoping to put right on Thursday night.
Arsenal
Champions League football is on the brink of returning to the Emirates Stadium after a five year absence, and victory at Spurs will confirm it.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked to have derailed their campaign following three consecutive defeats over the Easter period, though impressive victories over Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham and Leeds have put the Spaniards side firmly in the driving seat.
A 2-1 victory over Leeds where Eddie Nketiah – who is out of contract next month – added to his tally twice to maintain his sides fourth spot.
It was the Gunners who stormed to a 3-1 victory over Spurs in their last match-up when Nuno Santo was the last man in the opposite dugout, though Conte has transformed the side into one which should provide a competitive fight.
Team news
Aside from the current injury list of Matt Doherty, Oliver Skipp, Sergio Reguillon and Japhet Tanganga, we should see similar line-up to the one which faced Liverpool last week.
As for Arsenal, they are still waiting for the latest assessment of Ben White who has missed their last two fixtures, though Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are out for the remainder of the season.
Tottenham vs Arsenal – kick off at 7:45pm (UK time) on Thursday 12th May 2022
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