The spotlight falls on the Premier League this Sunday as Tottenham Hotspur welcome fierce rivals Arsenal to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a North London derby loaded with consequence at both ends of the table.
For Spurs, this is more than bragging rights. For Arsenal, it could define the trajectory of their title challenge.
Tudor Thrown Straight into the Fire
New Tottenham head coach Igor Tudor could hardly have asked for a sterner introduction. The Croatian inherits a side drifting dangerously close to the relegation zone after a dismal run of form. Spurs are without a league win in 2026 and have taken just four points from their last eight top-flight matches.The decision to part ways with Thomas Frank followed a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, a result that left the Europa League holders only five points clear of the bottom three. The mood around the stadium has shifted from European ambition to survival anxiety.
Historically, Tudor has made immediate impacts at new clubs, winning his first match in charge in each of his last five appointments. However, this assignment is uniquely complicated. Tottenham possess the third-worst home record in the division, with just two victories on their own turf all season. Injuries have ravaged the squad, and suspensions further limit tactical flexibility.
Cristian Romero remains suspended, restricting Tudor’s preferred back-three system, while a lengthy injury list continues to stretch resources thin.
Arsenal Feeling the Heat Again
Across North London, Mikel Arteta is dealing with pressure of a different kind. Arsenal’s 2-2 draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers reopened uncomfortable conversations about their ability to sustain a title charge.The Gunners remain top, but their cushion is fragile. Manchester City are within striking distance and could reduce the gap to two points if they capitalise on their game in hand. With a pivotal showdown at the Etihad looming later in the season, Arsenal cannot afford further slip-ups.
Away form has become a mild concern. They have won only three of their last nine league matches on the road. Yet if there is a fixture that consistently brings out their best, it is this one. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Spurs and have won their last three visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Their dominance earlier in the campaign was emphatic, highlighted by a commanding 4-1 victory at the Emirates in November.
Team News: Crisis vs Continuity
Tottenham’s injury situation remains severe. Several first-team regulars are sidelined, and the loss of Wilson Odobert to a long-term ACL injury compounds matters. While Richarlison has returned to training, he is not expected to feature.The absence of key creative and defensive personnel forces Tudor into pragmatic choices. Summer additions such as Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke will carry significant attacking responsibility, while midfield balance becomes crucial against Arsenal’s technically refined trio.
In contrast, Arsenal’s medical bulletin is comparatively optimistic. Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are pushing for returns, while Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are expected to be fit despite minor knocks midweek. The possible reinstatement of Odegaard would allow Saka to shift back to his more natural right-sided role, restoring familiar attacking structure.
Tactical Outlook
Expect Tottenham to adopt a compact, transitional approach. Given their defensive absences, they are unlikely to dominate possession and may instead look to exploit space behind Arsenal’s advanced full-backs. Quick vertical transitions through midfield runners will be essential.Arsenal, meanwhile, will aim to impose structure and tempo control. Their midfield trio is adept at circulating possession and destabilising low blocks through positional rotations. If they convert territorial dominance into early goals, they could dictate proceedings.
However, the emotional volatility of a derby often disrupts tactical blueprints. Tottenham’s desperation for points could fuel intensity levels that make this far less predictable than recent history suggests.
Expert Prediction
Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal
