North London Derby Showdown: Arsenal and Tottenham Battle for Bragging Rights - Team News and Bold Predictions

The north London derby arrives at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday afternoon as Arsenal gear up for a crucial Premier League encounter against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal understand their position at the league summit remains intact for another week irrespective of Sunday's result, but Mikel Arteta will recognize the importance of defeating Spurs. Beyond securing vital bragging rights, Arsenal's standing as championship contenders would receive another boost.

The Gunners experienced a slight setback prior to the international break when they allowed a late equalizer against Sunderland in a thrilling 2–2 stalemate, marginally reducing their lead at the top. With Manchester City and others breathing down their necks, further slip-ups could see them lose their summit position in upcoming fixtures.

Arsenal boast an outstanding record in this specific matchup, remaining undefeated at home against the Lilywhites in league competition since 2010. They have also secured five victories and one draw from the previous six north London derbies.

However, they encounter a more robust Tottenham squad than in previous campaigns, with Thomas Frank helping to strengthen a previously vulnerable defense under Ange Postecoglou. While they remain unpredictable, they currently stand as the premier away team in the division and the sole club yet to taste defeat on the road in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, Spurs fans will not approach Sunday's rivalry with overwhelming optimism considering their woeful record at the Emirates, where even a single point would likely trigger wild celebrations in N17.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Sunday's Premier League derby.

What Time Does Arsenal vs. Tottenham Kick Off?

Arsenal vs. Tottenham Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Tottenham on TV, Live Stream

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal's fitness concerns intensified during the international window as key center-back Gabriel joined the injury list. A thigh problem picked up while on Brazil duty rules him out for the coming period, meaning Cristhian Mosquera is set to enter the starting eleven for his debut north London derby experience.

Riccardo Calafiori represents another minor concern in defense as he manages a hip issue, though the Italian is anticipated to start against Spurs at left-back.

Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard are all currently in the medical room, but Arteta has suggested that some of the injured group might be available in some form against Tottenham.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Merino.

Tottenham Team News

The international hiatus arrived at an ideal moment for Tottenham regarding injuries, with numerous players recovering from fitness problems. Most significantly, Mohammed Kudus is back in contention after sitting out the stalemate with Manchester United before the break.

He's accompanied by fellow returnees Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Kota Takai, Ben Davies and even long-term casualty Radu Drăgușin, while Pape Sarr and Randal Kolo Muani are also ready to participate against the Gunners.

Spurs continue to have multiple players unavailable, though, including key playmakers Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, plus first-choice striker Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Tottenham predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Sarr, Odobert; Richarlison.

Arsenal vs. Tottenham Score Prediction

The league's strongest defense facing the joint-highest scorers away from home. How will this unfold?

Sunday's version of the derby is expected to be a closely contested and relatively balanced encounter, with Spurs content to defend deep and absorb pressure given their newfound defensive solidity, while Arsenal will look to control possession and create opportunities in front of their home crowd.

Gabriel's absence weakens their resolute defense, but Arsenal possess a capable replacement in Mosquera and should remain equally difficult to breach even without their Brazilian. Spurs, still lacking some crucial attacking personnel, may struggle to find a breakthrough.

Both historical precedent and current form favor the Gunners, and they are strong favorites to claim another derby victory—possibly with another shutout.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Tottenham