Game Week 20 Predictions: Can Spurs hurt Arsenal again?

Tottenham must find bullish ways to stop Arsenal from playing their way when they meet on Sunday. (Photo credit: BBC)

Tottenham vs Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

5:30pm

Arsenal must be licking some wounds after Ukrainian talent Mhykalo Murdryk’s agreement with Chelsea after spending the entirety of the window following Arsenal on social media but they can shove that aside, it’s derby day!

Tottenham Hotspur need to make a bold statement; Antonio Conte’s men have been pushed out of the top four by Manchester United and the result they expected from the Manchester derby didn’t come with United stealing the spoils, now they must respond.

Arsenal continues to lead the table and they can turn five points lead at the top to eight if they do what they haven’t done since Tomas Rosicky’s second minute strike in 2014 which is to win away at Spurs, will the hosts let this happen?

Spurs offered little when these two sides met earlier in the season and indeed, it was one of the games that added wind to Arsenal’s sails. The 3-1 win at the Emirates must be really fresh in the minds of the hosts and is it revenge time?

Top four is still within the grasp of Spurs and all they have to do is to beat Arsenal and hope Fulham shocks Newcastle at St. James’s Park. It’s going to be a cagey affair but can Spurs rise to the occasion and do what they enjoy doing?

Reports suggest Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison would be available for the game but the Brazilian could start from the bench while Rodrigo Bentacur has been passed fit too. Arsenal has everyone available outside Gabriel Jesus, Eddy Nketiah will be happy to deputize again.

Tottenham beat Arsenal 3-0 the last time both sides met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium it was the game that sent Spurs into the top four and ruined Arsenal’s champions league hopes. Same scenario, different positions as the Gunners continue to challenge for the title.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are the players to watch for Arsenal as well as the November/December player of the month Martin Odegaard. The midfield battle between Pierre Emile Hoijberg and Thomas Partey is another key one, whoever wins that wins the game.

Verdict: Straight draw.