Game Week 4 Predictions: Tottenham and Arsenal to settle for a point each

Tottenham vs. Arsenal preview: With key players missing and both teams facing challenges, expect a close contest North London derby to end in a draw.

It's a significant game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, will the host finally find joy against their bitter rivals? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 Tottenham vs. Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

2:00pm

Manchester City won again on Saturday, and that means they’re the only team left in the league with a 100% record. If Arsenal beat Tottenham away from home, they can become the closest team to them; that's enough motivation for the Gunners.

The home side has endured a torrid run of results across their last five games in all competitions. Just one win in their first three games of the season means they're already seven points behind the league leaders, although they dare not lose to Arsenal with a game in hand.

The two teams each have their own problems; Tottenham leads the league in big chances missed this season, and given that their forward line has missed numerous straightforward opportunities in their first three games, they must improve this area of their game if they hope to defeat Arsenal.

Arsenal will be without two of their best players, with Martin Odegaard carrying an injury from the international break and Declan Rice out due to the red card he received against Brighton just before the break. We wait to see how Mikel Arteta arranges his team without the two stars.

The North London derby is fast becoming the fiercest of derbies in world football; Arsenal has dominated in recent years; the home side hasn’t beaten the Gunners in any of their last four encounters, with the last one ending 3-2 in favour of the visitors.

Tottenham could be without Yves Bissouma, who was said to return from the international break with ankle issues, leaving Pape Mata Sarr as the major force to battle against what is left of Arsenal's midfield, which is very likely to be Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

How do we expect the Gunners to line up? Ricardo Calafiori, who sustained an injury while playing for Italy last week, is not available. Expect Jurrien Timber to return at left back, while the rest of the back four will remain unchanged.

Raheem Sterling could make his debut on Sunday for the Gunners; the England winger joined from Chelsea after a difficult summer under Enzo Maresca. Who will assume the role of Martin Odegaard? Or will Arteta change his style in the absence of his captain?

Both sides have reasons to go all out for this. While it is too early for this game to be a deciding factor, the two sides don't want to fall off yet; the closer they are at this stage to the top, the better their chances at the end of May.

Verdict: Full-time draw.