Arsenal take on Tottenham in the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown thinks his old club will come out on top in the North London derby, but has warned of the threat from some Tottenham players in his column for the Daily Mail.
Keown is predicting a 2-0 victory for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium but has warned Arsene Wenger’s side not to underestimate their rivals despite a poor run that has seen them struggle for goals and go six consecutive games in all competitions without recording a win.
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring their third goal
He wrote in his Tackle Keown column for the Daily Mail: “Arsenal. They are in such a strong position at the moment and I’d back them to win 2-0, with goals from Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
“Tottenham have scored just two goals in their last five games and are without a win in six in all competitions. It would be wrong of Arsenal to underestimate Tottenham, though, especially with the extra effort a derby can bring.”
However, Keown thinks his old side do have one or two players from the Tottenham squad to worry about going into the game, but also suggested they could miss the presence of one of their midfielders.
Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele with manager Mauricio Pochettino as he is substituted
He added: “Dele Alli is an outstanding footballer with a great career ahead of him. He is probably Tottenham’s most dangerous player. Arsenal must also be wary of the threat Kyle Walker possesses down the right. Mousa Dembele going off injured (in the 1-0 loss to Monaco) was a huge blow given his importance to the team, though. It looked like Victor Wanyama missed having the Belgian alongside him.”
A win for Arsenal could put a six-point cushion between themselves and their rivals, and allow them to keep up the pace towards the top of the Premier League. If results go their way they could be top themselves at the end of the weekend.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during training
However, Spurs will see it as an opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal, and the perfect way to put a bumpy run of form behind them. They have already got the better of one of the top sides this season in their last competitive victory – when they overcame Manchester City at White Hart Lane.
Arsenal have shown they are in great form, but their last home game saw them drop points against Middlesbrough, showing there is the potential for them to slip up, and while Tottenham may not be scoring many goals, they’re not conceding them in abundance either – suggesting that it could be a pretty tight game.
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