Martin Keown has told TalkSPORT (Friday, 10.45AM) that if he was a betting man, he would be backing the draw between Tottenham and Arsenal. But, the Arsenal legend will be backing his old side to win the North London derby.
The two sides will do battle for the first time since Tottenham pipped Arsenal to fourth place in the Premier League last season. It saw Spurs qualify for Champions League football, while Arsenal are back in the Europa League.
Revenge will be on Arsenal’s minds at The Emirates, especially after Spurs cruised to a 3-0 win last time out. But Arsenal have strengthened since, as have Tottenham. It will be an interesting game to see where both teams are at.
Asked to predict Saturday’s clash, Keown thinks Antonio Conte’s pragmatism might see the two sides play out a draw. But, he will be backing his old side and urged Mikel Arteta to instruct his men to get at the Spurs defence.
“I’m going to go with Arsenal. The best bet would be a draw. Conte knows how to get a result, but Arsenal are more artistic and flowing. We need to get at their back three,” Keown told TalkSPORT on Friday morning.
Keown backing draw between Tottenham and Arsenal on Saturday
What a game it is. One with plenty of history, one with plenty of recent animosity because of last season’s drama. The 3-0 Spurs win, the Rob Holding red card, the race for fourth. Both sides are on a similar trajectory, too.
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s transfer blueprint are pushing the Gunners back up the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Conte’s tactical genius is getting the best out of Spurs – making them much sturdier, but still lethal in attack.
Both clubs now have that depth too, to be able to rotate and keep their best players fresh. Son Heung-min is back in form, while Arsenal’s new signings are flying – especially Gabriel Jesus. Any result could materialise on Saturday.
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