Premier League action returns in spectacular fashion as league leaders Arsenal welcome North London rivals Tottenham to the Emirates Stadium in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Looking ahead to what could well be the match of the season so far, Sky Sports pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have offered up their own predictions with the duo agreeing the Gunners may prove a difficult outfit to budge this season.
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Chris Sutton Arsenal vs Tottenham Prediction
- Arsenal to Win @ 21/20 with 888sport
- Correct Score: Arsenal 3-2 @ 20/1 with 888sport
- Over 4.5 Goals @ 4/1 with 888sport
Speaking to the BBC, former Blackburn and Celtic striker Christ Sutton admitted that while he expects it to be an evenly contested clash, the home advantage for Arsenal may well sway the tie in their favour.
It is interesting to note that the Gunners are unbeaten in 11 games against Spurs at home, so Sutton’s prediction certainly has substance.
“Arsenal have started the season so well, winning six out of seven league games. Their one defeat came at Manchester United, and they didn’t deserve to lose there.
“Tottenham are only a point behind them, though. Yes, they have been slightly fortunate with some of their results, but that just shows they don’t have to play well to win.
⏳ 24 hours to go…
🔜 Counting down to #ARSTOT pic.twitter.com/owzEb0UPfe
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 30, 2022
“Spurs also have Son Heung-min up and running after his hat-trick off the bench against Leicester before the international break. 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.
“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.”
Paul Merson Arsenal vs Tottenham Predictions
- Arsenal to Win @ 21/20 with 888sport
- Correct Score: Arsenal 2-1 @ 15/2 with 888sport
- Over 2.5 Goals @ 4/6 with 888sport
Ex-Arsenal legend Paul Merson agrees with Sutton that his former side will edge this early-season derby, citing the Gunners’ possible potential to be title contenders this season while also concurring that the home advantage may have an effect.
“This is a game that never lets you down. There are certain other games in the Premier League calendar where we build them up and they disappoint, but that is never the case with this fixture.
“The way they’re playing at the moment, I don’t see Tottenham being able to beat Arsenal. They did defeat Leicester by a 6-2 margin the other day, but the scoreline flattered them in my opinion.
“Son Heung-Min hasn’t done well when he’s started games so far this season, and Antonio Conte might use him as an impact player to turn to on the bench. Are Arsenal title contenders? I’ll be able to answer that question after they play Liverpool next week.
“There’s no point in winning one big game and losing the next one. Arsenal lost to Manchester United and they now have two big games which they need to win.”
“I was quite shocked that Ben White didn’t make it to the England squad. He can play in three different positions, and that could help Gareth Southgate.
“When White plays at right-back for Arsenal, it allows Tierney to bomb forward and they effectively play with a back three. It has worked well for Mikel Arteta so far, and there’s no reason to change that.
“With Manchester City in the title race, both these teams should realistically aim for a top-four finish. Arsenal absolutely dismantled Brentford in their previous game, and their home advantage gives them the upper hand in this match.”
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