Judgment day for Arsenal?

The north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is just over a week away!

With the power in north London seemingly shifting over to the white side in the last year this is a massive chance for Arsenal to give their fans something to be happy about in a season, which has been rather turbulent for the Gunners so far.

Both teams will be hoping that none of their players pick up injuries during the international break as we are now heading into the busiest stage of the season, Tottenham will be hoping that their players that withdrew from international duty through injury will be fit and available for the clash on the 18th of November.

Considering Spurs current league position and some brilliant recent results against the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid you would expect them to be favourites in the game against an Arsenal side who have struggled to put a solid winning run together losing 4 and of their 11 games this season. However, if you’re the type that likes to Bet on Football and follow Free Tips you’ll be intrigued to know that the bookies have the home side as the slight favourites going in to the game, despite the recent good form of the visitors.

Spurs haven’t managed to come home from the Emirates with a win since November 2010, with the last 6 meetings seeing Arsenal winning 3 times and 3 subsequent draws; however, Pochettino’s men will be hopeful – given their excellent away form this season – that they can put even more pressure on their bitter rivals. Harry Kane has been declared fit by the club, despite the striker missing England’s up and coming friendly and with Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris also set to return, Tottenham will have their key men back.

Arsene Wenger continues to be a man under pressure and his decision not to start Lacazette in Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at the Etihad drew massive criticism from the Arsenal support. The Frenchman has a fantastic record in this fixture and you do sense a good performance and result against their bitter rivals maybe just the kick-start the club needs to get their season on track.

Whilst the bookies favour Arsenal to take all 3 points in next Saturday’s lunchtime kick off, the reality is that defeat for the Gunners will see them not only 7pts behind Tottenham, but potentially could be 15pts behind Manchester City that would pretty much rule them out of the title race already with only 12 games gone in the Premier League season. This just underlines the significance of the game for Arsene Wenger – who signed a new 2yr extension to his contract convinced that the club will be serious contenders this current campaign. Losing the north London derby will also do nothing to stop the discontent amongst supporters at the Emirates who after every given defeat find themselves turning on the manager and each other in some instances.

Either way it promises to be a cracker and the perfect way to commence the return to the Premier League, following the international break.

Written by Jack Wrafter