Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, Chris Sutton has had a go at predicting this weekend’s north London derby.
This is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly-anticipated fixtures of the Premier League season, and it’s almost impossible to predict a winner here.
Arsenal are, of course, top of the league at the moment, but Spurs remain one of only two unbeaten teams in the division this year, so it’s almost impossible to call a victor here.
However, Sutton has put his neck on the line and stated that he thinks Arsenal will come out on top in this one.
Arsenal to win the derby
Sutton gave his prediction for this weekend’s huge clash.
“You could make a case for either team here, but my gut feeling is to go with Arsenal – and for there to be lots of goals,” Sutton wrote
“It’s at Emirates Stadium, and I think the Gunners will take the game to Tottenham.
“Spurs like that, because they are at their very best on the counter-attack, but I think Arsenal will get at them.”
Sutton then predicted a 3-2 win for Arsenal to conclude his column.
Tactical battle
This will be an incredibly close game, and it may well come down to how the managers shape-up.
Mikel Arteta may be tempted into matching Conte’s three-at-the-back system and hope that his players have enough to win their individual battles, while Conte himself could be tempted to switch to a 3-5-2 rather than a 3-4-3 so he can go man-to-man in the midfield.
The 22 players on the pitch will ultimately play this game, but the managers may be the ones who decide which way this goes based on their tactical set-ups.
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