Tottenham handed major potential boost ahead of north London derby showdown with Arsenal | OneFootball

Spurs given helping hand ahead of Gunners clash

Tottenham have been given a potential helping hand ahead of the north London derby with Arsenal.

That game comes after Arsenal will have played Wigan in the FA Cup on the Sunday prior.

In contrast to that busy build-up, Spurs will have two weeks off to prepare for the Arsenal game.

Thomas Frank’s side will have two free weeks to prepare for the Arsenal game

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After playing Newcastle next Tuesday, Spurs then have a free weekend after being knocked out of the FA Cup.

It gives Frank 12 days to prepare a gameplan for Arsenal and presents a chance for Spurs players to rest after a busy start to the year.

Spurs suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at Emirates Stadium in November and their fans will demand a much-improved display at home.

Frank was largely criticised for Spurs’ approach in the reverse fixture, when he set up with three centre-backs and looked to soak up pressure but still shipped four goals.

Frank said the defeat was “extremely painful” but results have not got much better since and Spurs find themselves 14th in the league, nine points off the relegation zone.

They host Arsenal at the end of a tricky run of fixtures over February. Following last weekend’s 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City, Spurs travel to a rejuvenated Manchester United on Saturday before hosting Newcastle next Tuesday.

Spurs produced an improved second-half performance to come from two goals down to secure a point against City.

That result did a favour for Arsenal, who extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points with 14 games left to play.

But Spurs know they can inflict a blow on Arsenal’s title hopes when the meet the Gunners.