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Arsenal take on Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League for the first time.

The Dane has previously faced the Gunners when he was in charge of Brentford, but the game on Sunday will be his first-ever competitive North London Derby.

Usually, Frank is very complimentary of Arsenal, but it looks like he has changed ahead of the game on Sunday.

What is your prediction for the North London Derby?

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has changed his tune about Arsenal before the North London Derby

Thomas Frank is one of the most respected managers in the Premier League.

The 52-year-old did an unbelievable job at Brentford, and the way he handled himself in front of the media made him a very likeable character.

In the summer, many Arsenal fans were even sad to see Frank join Tottenham because they liked him that much.

One of the reasons why Frank is so popular among Gooners is the glowing praise he has always showered on Mikel Arteta’s side.

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There is even a running joke on social media that Frank is actually an Arsenal fan.

However, since praising Arsenal and immediately realising his mistake in the summer, Frank has been very cautious about his words.

Furthermore, the Tottenham boss aimed a dig at Eberechi Eze in his pre-match press conference on Friday. Frank even fired some friendly shots at David Raya and Christian Norgaard, who used to play for him.

Now, the Dane has publicly claimed that he doesn’t want to praise Arsenal, which is a complete change from the past.

He said in his press conference: “I don’t want to praise them too much, Arsenal, in general.

“But also, we can’t hide or look away from them. Right now, they are at the top of the table in the Premier League. They invested a lot in the squad in the summer over the last couple of years. They have a very strong and competitive squad with almost two good players in every position.”

Arsenal fans will want revenge against Tottenham

Tottenham fans have had a lot to say to their Arsenal counterparts over the last few months.

After Ange Postecoglou helped them win the Europa League, which made them the 37th best team on the continent, some Spurs supporters got the confidence to say that they had the better season.

To make things worse, Frank managed to win the pre-season friendly between Arsenal and Tottenham in Hong Kong, thus giving more voice to some of his club’s fans.

Eberechi Eze will be a key player to watch when Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

The Englishman was one of the biggest names in the summer transfer window, and he was being chased by both Spurs and the Gunners.

Tottenham thought they had got their man, but Arsenal swooped in at the last minute, and Eze chose Mikel Arteta’s side.

Thomas Frank has now aimed a cheeky dig at him ahead of the game on Sunday.

What is your prediction for the North London Derby?

Arsenal star Eberechi Eze will want to destroy Tottenham after Thomas Frank’s jibe

There is always a lot of tension in games between Arsenal and Tottenham.

The two sets of supporters don’t like each other, making this a feisty affair every single time they meet in the North London Derby.

All eyes will be on Eberechi Eze when the game kicks off on Sunday because of what happened in the summer, and it looks like Frank has not forgotten about that.

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In his press conference ahead of the derby, the Dane was asked if he thought Tottenham had got the Eze deal over the line in the summer.

The Spurs boss cheekily replied: “Who’s Eze?”

He then laughed before saying: “Very good player. He plays for Arsenal, a team we want to beat on Sunday.”

Frank’s comments should not bother Eze because he knows how desperate Tottenham were to sign him before he snubbed them.

However, we’re sure the Arsenal number 10 will want to have a big impact on Sunday to make sure nobody ever asks who he is again.

Eberechi Eze’s recent record vs Tottenham is impressive

Eze was a fine player for Crystal Palace before Arsenal signed him in the summer.

The England international produced magical moments against several teams in the Premier League – he did it twice against Tottenham last season.

Palace beat Spurs both home and away in the league in 2024/25, and Eze scored two goals and provided an assist in those games.

The Arsenal man found the net when he faced Tottenham in the season before as well, and we’re sure he will be keen to do the same on Sunday.

Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby, and it may not be a straightforward game.

The Gunners will go into the clash as the favourites on Sunday, but form goes out of the window in a derby, and anything can happen.

Many people, like Gary Neville, think it will be a close game between Arsenal and Tottenham, and that is because it’s so obvious what Spurs are going to do from the very first minute.

Tottenham’s game plan vs Arsenal is a problem for Mikel Arteta

Tottenham were awful defensively under Ange Postecoglou last season, so every team that played against them had a real chance of winning.

Things, however, have changed following the appointment of Thomas Frank in the summer, and we all know how he is going to set his side up to play against Arsenal.

Spurs’ plan will be to deploy a well-organised low-block, nullify everything the Gunners throw at them and then charge forward on the break.

They have done that all season when they aren’t the better side – just ask Paul Merson.

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He wrote on Sportskeeda: “When Spurs are not the favourites and they sit back, absorb pressure and hit you on the break, they are a tricky team to face.”

That could be a problem for Arsenal as they have struggled against low blocks on more than one occasion over the last few years.

Frank’s Brentford used to be a tough opponent for the North Londoners as well, and that continued in pre-season, when Spurs beat the Gunners in a friendly in Asia.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal will be able to overcome this at the Emirates on Sunday.

What is your prediction for the North London Derby?

Arsenal could have the key to unlocking Tottenham’s defence after injury boost

Arsenal have created an xG of 13.4 from open play and have scored just eight goals in their 11 Premier League games.

That means they are creating just over one good chance per game from open play, which highlights their struggle against low blocks.

Frank will look to take advantage of that in the North London Derby, but Arsenal are set to have Martin Odegaard back from his injury.

The Norwegian is their key creator and one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. He could be the key to unlocking Tottenham’s defence on Sunday.

The North London Derby is upon us, and many people are making their combined lineups featuring players from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners are currently the superior side and have been for a few years now. They are historically the more dominant team in this fixture as well.

That is why Arsenal players dominate these combined lineups, but there is a major issue in Alan Shearer’s version ahead of the game on Sunday.

Alan Shearer snubs William Saliba in his Arsenal and Tottenham combined XI

Arsenal star William Saliba is one of the best defenders in the world.

The Frenchman has been incredible for the Gunners since he made his debut in 2022, and he continues to get better year on year.

Saliba is one of the first names on the team sheet every week at Arsenal, and he has become undroppable for the French national team as well.

Yet, Shearer has left him out of his North London Derby combined lineup on the Metro and has chosen Micky van de Ven instead.

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The Dutchman is a very good defender; there’s no debate there. But he is nowhere near the level of Saliba, who has been named in the PFA Team of the Year three years in a row.

Even this season, when Saliba has been on the pitch, Arsenal have conceded just three goals in 15 games, which shows just how brilliant he is.

Van de Ven, on the other hand, has played 16 games in all competitions this term, and he has let in 14 goals, which is an awful record.

That’s enough evidence to tell you that in no world does Van de Ven get into the team ahead of Saliba. Shearer’s decision on that front makes no sense.

Shearer’s Arsenal vs Tottenham combined XI: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Van de Ven, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Gyokeres, Eze

Do you agree with our Arsenal vs Tottenham combined XI?

William Saliba and Micky van de Ven’s records in North London Derbies are the complete opposite

Van de Ven will have the chance to prove Shearer right when Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

If the Dutchman produces an incredible performance and helps his side beat the Gunners, he could argue that he is on Saliba’s level.

However, so far, Van de Ven’s record against Arsenal is terrible.

As the table shows above, Van de Ven has never won a game against Arsenal, while Saliba has never lost one when he has come up against Tottenham.

This is further proof that the Arsenal man is in a league of his own when compared to Van de Ven or any other Spurs defender.

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell already has a difficult relationship with Tottenham Hotspur fans, and that could get worse now.

The Gunners take on Spurs in the North London Derby on Sunday, and the legendary Englishman has been previewing the game.

Campbell feels Cristhian Mosquera will start in place of the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, but his comments about a Tottenham defender – Micky van de Ven – are what’s making all the noise.

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell risks annoying Tottenham fans with his claim on Micky van de Ven

Van de Ven is the fastest player in the Premier League.

The Tottenham star possesses a lot of attributes that make him a great defender, but the best one is his blistering pace.

The Dutchman recorded a top speed of 37.38 kmph (23.22mph) at Spurs, which made him the fastest player in Premier League history since records began.

That is very impressive, but Campbell, who played for both Tottenham and Arsenal, believes he was just as fast, if not faster.

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When asked on talkSPORT if he can remember a defender who was as fast as Van de Ven, he said: “Yeah, Sol Campbell!

“I think you guys have to remember how quick I was. We didn’t have all the technology around, but I was rapid. You could look all the stats around, rapid!

“Also, I could move at the same time, not just in a straight line. You have to be able to change direction as a top centre-half. “

Van de Ven is a fan favourite at Tottenham; they love him there.

So, Campbell’s comments will not go down well among Spurs fans, especially considering that it has come just days before the North London Derby.

What is your prediction for the North London Derby?

Sol Campbell’s fastest recorded speed is mind-blowing

Campbell was a very quick defender, and that attribute is among the reasons why he was regarded as one of the best centre-backs of his generation.

The Arsenal legend’s fastest speed in his career is unavailable because of the lack of data at the time, but some information did come out in 2009.

Based on the data collected from the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons, it was revealed that Campbell recorded a top speed of 36.21 kmph (22.5 mph).

That is extremely impressive on its own, but what makes it even better is that Campbell was 34 years of age when this data was recorded.

The Englishman posted the above image on his Instagram and suggested that he might even have been as quick as Usain Bolt when he was 23.

We don’t know if he was that fast, but perhaps he would’ve given Van de Ven a real run for his money.

Mikel Arteta has a few selection headaches ahead of Arsenal’s North London Derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Martin Odegaard is set to return to the squad for the game on Sunday, which is not just a big boost for the Gunners but also a major surprise.

That’s because Norway manager Stale Solbakken claimed during the international break just over a week ago that Odegaard is still ‘some distance away’ from full fitness (Mirror).

The Arsenal captain’s return is great news, but one player may have to make way for him – Eberechi Eze.

Eberechi Eze could be dropped as Martin Odegaard returns for Arsenal vs Tottenham

Eze has been Arsenal’s number 10 in most games since Martin Odegaard’s injury.

The England international, who joined the Gunners from Crystal Palace in the summer, has done a decent job in attacking midfield, but he hasn’t set the stage on fire.

Since Odegaard’s injury against West Ham, Eze has scored one goal and provided one assist in seven games in all competitions.

That is not a great return, which is why we expect the Arsenal captain to come straight back into the starting lineup if he is declared fit.

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As for Eze, he will either have to drop down to the bench or move to the left. If the latter happens, Leandro Trossard will have to lose his place in the side.

However, the Belgian has been in fine form this season, directly contributing to eight goals in all competitions so far. Trossard even scored a stunning goal against Sunderland just before the international break.

For those reasons, we think Eze will be the one to be dropped if Odegaard returns.

Which Arsenal player should be dropped if Martin Odegaard returns vs Tottenham?

Eberechi Eze will have a major role to play vs Tottenham even if he’s dropped

Many people, including Gary Neville, are predicting a close game between Arsenal and Tottenham on Sunday.

If that is indeed the case, both Mikel Arteta and Thomas Frank will need their bench to deliver, and that’s where Eze’s brilliance will come in handy.

The Englishman’s ability to drive past players would be more effective against tired legs in the second half. He could change the game if he comes on as a substitute.

Trossard has done a great job as a substitute as well in the past, but based on current form, we think it should be Eze coming off the bench and the Belgian starting the game.

Arsenal have a number of injury issues going into the game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to be ruled out for over a month, which is a massive blow, but he isn’t the only one.

Kai Havertz has suffered a setback in his recovery as well, while the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Jesus are all doubts.

That complicates things for Arsenal ahead of the North London Derby, but the Gunners should still be fine.

Arsenal’s squad depth allows them to deal with injuries unlike any other Premier League club

Arsenal signed eight new players in the summer transfer window.

That was beyond everyone’s expectations, but thanks to Andrea Berta’s brilliance, Mikel Arteta now has the best squad in the entire Premier League.

With that, Arsenal have the ability to field a great starting lineup every single week, even if they are struggling with multiple injury issues like they are now.

Paul Merson rightly described the above thought on Sportskeeda by saying: “Arsenal will have quite a few first-team regulars missing through injury this weekend, and despite that, I expect them to field a very strong team against Tottenham.

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“No other team in the league can do the same, and that is the difference!”

If Manchester City lose Erling Haaland, they are guaranteed to struggle, and the same is the case with Liverpool if Virgil van Dijk is unavailable.

Arsenal are set to be without Gabriel, Gyokeres and Havertz against Tottenham on Sunday, but they will still be able to name a solid lineup. That is special.

What is your prediction for the North London Derby?

Arsenal have adequate replacements for all their injured players

Arsenal had all sorts of problems when they faced injuries in previous years, but that is no longer the case.

With Gabriel likely out, Arteta can turn to Piero Hincapie, Calafiori or Cristhian Mosquera.

Eberechi Eze has filled the void left by Odegaard, while Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard can both play up top if Gyokeres and Havertz are ruled out.

Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur right after the international break, and Thomas Frank must be having nightmares.

The Dane has already had a small taste of this fixture. The two sides met in a friendly in Asia during pre-season, and Spurs ended up winning that game.

However, Frank will know that a clash in the Premier League is a completely different ball game, and Arsenal’s issues must be causing him all sorts of problems now as he prepares for the game.

Arsenal’s injury issues must be confusing Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank puts a lot of emphasis on preparation ahead of his side’s games.

He likes to study the opposition, find out which players are a threat, who are the weak points and how his men can exploit them.

That will once again be the case ahead of Tottenham’s trip to the Emirates Stadium, but Frank must be scratching his head because he has no idea which Arsenal players are available.

Gabriel Magalhaes is almost certainly out, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are all doubts.

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Arsenal’s starting lineup will look completely different if all of those players are available at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, but nobody knows how many of them will be declared fit.

To make things worse for Frank, the Gunners have been very careful with the training pictures they have released ahead of the North London Derby.

There are many snaps of Jesus, but none of the other names above can be seen at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. That, however, doesn’t mean they are unavailable, which leaves Frank guessing.

What is your prediction for the North London Derby?

Six Arsenal players will surely start vs Tottenham

Despite all the injuries Arsenal have at the moment, six of their players are almost certain to start in the North London Derby against Tottenham.

David Raya was an unused substitute in Spain’s two fixtures in the international break, so there are no injury concerns around him. He should start in goal.

In defence, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are both set to start, while Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are expected to do the same in the middle of the park.

Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

The Gunners have had a fine start to the new campaign and are currently on top of the Premier League table. They are the favourites to go all the way this term.

Spurs, on the other hand, are eight points and four places behind Mikel Arteta’s side, but the league table will have no bearing on the derby result.

Most people think Arsenal will win the game on Sunday, but there is a disagreement about the scoreline.

Gary Neville and Ian Wright predict Arsenal vs Tottenham score

Both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have injury issues going into the North London Derby.

The Gunners are set to be without Gabriel Magalhaes due to an adductor injury, while the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are all doubts.

That complicates things for Arteta, but we are sure that the Arsenal manager will still go for the win with the players he has available.

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On the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Ian Wright and Gary Neville, among others, had their say on the game.

Here’s how their conversation went:

Neville: “So you think Arsenal will win 2-0?”

Wright: “I’m going 2-0.”

Neville: “I don’t think they’ll win 2-0. I think it will be a bit more scruffy than that. I think there will be goals, I think it will be a bit messy. I think 2-1 Arsenal or 3-2.”

Jamie Carragher: “I can’t see Spurs scoring two.”

Neville: “I think they could. It’s that type of game.”

Carragher: “Arsenal are so strong defensively. Spurs don’t look like scoring.”

Neville: “We’ll go 2-1 Arsenal then.”

What is your prediction for the North London Derby?

The last six North London Derby results explain why Arsenal are the favourites to beat Tottenham

Arsenal have been the superior side in the history of the North London Derby, and they have been dominant in recent seasons too.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last six meetings against Spurs, and they have lost just once in their last nine. That, combined with the fact that they will be playing at home, makes them the favourites to win the game on Sunday.

Arteta and his players know exactly what this fixture means, and they will want to go out at the Emirates and get the job done.

Besides the bragging rights, a win in the North London Derby will also help the Gunners maintain a decent gap at the top of the Premier League table.

The November international break has not been a good one for Arsenal.

Yes, Martin Zubimendi scored a great goal for Spain and Bukayo Saka did the same while playing for England, but their performances were overshadowed by injuries.

Riccardo Calafiori was sent back by Italy because of a hip issue, while Jurrien Timber hurt himself as well but avoided any major damage.

The big problem, however, is the injury Gabriel Magalhaes suffered during Brazil’s win against Senegal.

Declan Rice will be very upset with Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury

Gabriel’s adductor injury is a massive blow for Arsenal.

The Brazil international is one of the most important players at the club. He has been incredible all season and is one of the leaders on and off the pitch.

Gabriel’s first job at Arsenal is his defending, but he is the best in the world in set-piece situations at the other end of the pitch.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the former Lille man’s ability is Declan Rice, as Gabriel maximises his deliveries from corners and free-kicks.

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Now, news has emerged from the BBC that the Arsenal number six could be out until January, which means he is guaranteed to miss the games against Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Rice, in particular, will be gutted because his set-pieces into the box are less likely to be attacked in the same way by anyone else in the squad.

Piero Hincapie could be Arsenal’s new weapon in set-pieces

Rice and Gabriel had a great understanding during set-pieces. You always saw the two players having a quick chat before a corner or a free-kick, and it has paid off many times.

The England international will have to form a new relationship with someone else in the coming games, and we think Piero Hincapie could be the one.

The Ecuadorian defender hasn’t played much this season because of an injury, but he is fit and ready to go now.

Hincapie, who has been described as a warrior by Xabi Alonso, has the physicality to attack corners and set-pieces like Gabriel did.

If he can form a good understanding with Rice, we think he could have a massive impact inside the opposition box.