Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

The 199th North London derby takes place on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the stakes at a fever pitch for both bitter rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur enter a new era under Igor Tudor, the Croatian “ferryman” appointed this week to steer the club away from a catastrophic slide toward the relegation zone. Spurs sit in 16th place, just five points above the drop zone, and are currently the only Premier League side without a victory in 2026. Tudor, renowned for his aggressive man-to-man pressing and tactical discipline, faces a true baptism of fire as he attempts to halt an eight-game winless run.

Arsenal, meanwhile, continue their relentless pursuit of the Premier League title, though nerves are fraying after back-to-back draws on the road. Following a frustrating 2–2 stalemate at Wolves, Mikel Arteta’s side sees their lead at the summit under threat from Manchester City. The Gunners have dominated this fixture recently, winning six of the last seven league meetings, and will look to maintain their psychological edge to keep their title destiny in their own hands.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

Team News

Tottenham Hotspur

Igor Tudor’s debut is hampered by an “overcrowded infirmary,” with 10 players currently sidelined. Captain Cristian Romero is a major loss as he serves the second of a four-match suspension; notably, Spurs have lost each of their last six home games he has missed. Dominic Solanke has returned to training following a throat issue, but Richarlison, Pedro Porro, and Destiny Udogie are unlikely to feature. Long-term absentees include James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta could be handed a massive boost with Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz both in contention to return after missing the last two games. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are both fit to play despite being forced off with knocks during the midweek draw at Molineux. Saka, who just signed a new contract, has been involved in six goals across his last eight appearances against Spurs.

Form

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs head into this fixture in a state of turmoil, winless in their last eight Premier League games (D4 L4). This is their longest run without a victory to start a calendar year since 1994. Notably, Tottenham have struggled at home in this derby lately, losing their last three league meetings against Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, defensive contributions have been a surprise source of goals; Spurs have scored more Premier League goals via defenders (10) than any other side this season.

Arsenal

The Gunners remain unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings with Spurs, but back-to-back draws against Brentford and Wolves have allowed rivals to close in. Notably, Arsenal have a stellar record in the capital; since May 2022, they have lost just one of their last 21 away London derbies. Mikel Arteta himself boasts the best win rate in London derbies (60.3%) of any manager to take charge of at least 20 such fixtures.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI: Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

Arsenal Predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

How to Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 16:00 GMT.

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