Saturday 10th February 2018
Tottenham v Arsenal 12:30, Sky Sports
Another huge weekend of Premier League football to take in, as we move into week 27.
It’s extremely tight at the foot of the table, with only 3 points separating the sides from 12th to 19th, while although Man City could only draw at Burnley last weekend they are still 13 points clear of Manchester United at the summit.
There is also an interesting sub-plot going on at the moment for a top four finish with Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal all in with a shout for one of the lucrative Champions League places.
Two of those sides – Tottenham and Arsenal – are also in action this weekend as we get set for another ‘must-see’ North London Derby.
Tottenham come into the match off the back of a controversial 2-2 draw over Liverpool last Sunday, while Wenger’s up-and-down side would have had their confidence restored after battering Everton 5-1 at the Emirates last Saturday.
After those games, Spurs are fifth in the league, but are in touching distance of the top four sides, while although Arsenal are back in sixth – and 4 points adrift of Spurs – it will only take a few wins for them to be right back in the ‘top four’ mix too.
What Are The Stats Saying?
Arsenal’s recent January signing – Aubameyang – has settled in well to the team well and having scored on his debut at Everton last weekend then he’s certainly hit the ground running for his new club. More will be needed against Spurs, so it will be interesting to see how the Gabon-born striker fares in his first North London Derby – another good performance against Arsenal’s bitter rivals will make him an instant hit with the Arsenal faithful.
Don’t forget, this game is also at Wembley so this will give the match some extra spice – the last time the two sides played at the stadium was back in the 2001 FA Cup Final – Arsenal won that match 2-1, thanks to Vieira and Pires goals.
Spurs fans will also know that Arsenal beat them 2-0 earlier in the season so the Gunners will come here with the upper hand. However, with home advantage now the betting favours Spurs. They are on offer at 2.05, with the draw 3.60 and Arsenal 3.40.
Last season’s repeat clash – albeit at White Hart Lane – finished Spurs 2-0 Arsenal, so if feel that score line might happen again you’ll be rewarded at 13.00.
So, yes, if looking at the last clashes between the teams, then Arsenal might have the edge, but it’s worth pointing out it’s actually Spurs that have the best recent head-to-head stats.
Tottenham have lost only one of their last 9 home league matches when playing the Gunners and haven’t lost in the last three repeat fixtures.
Can We Expect Goals? 6 of the last 8 head-to-heads (all comps) have seen BOTH TEAMS SCORE, but at 1.50 there is no real value in this option, despite it being highly-likely.
Harry Kane, with a massive 22 league goals, is the main man for Spurs, while with 9 league goals this term Arsenal’s Lacazette tops their scoring list – it goes without saying both will be very popular again in the various scoring markets. Kane is 4.00 to score first, or 1.66 anytime, while Lacazette is 5.00 (1st), or 2.50 anytime.
It’s also worth pointing out that Kane has a fantastic record when playing against Arsenal of late. The Spurs and England hitman has netted 6 goals in the last 6 league games over the Gunners!
The Overs/Unders market could be an interesting option though. The clear favourite here at 1.50 (odds are subject to change) is Over 2.5 Goals, but with 4 of the last 5 head-to-heads (80%) seeing less than 3 goals scored then the 2.50 here stands out as decent value.
If you want a bit more security then Under 3.5 Goals at 1.57 also looks a decent option.
However, this clash also has a habit of both teams sharing the points and at 3.60 the draw shouldn’t be overlooked either. 4 of the last 7 head-to-heads (57%) have ended all-square, plus with 3 of those being 1-1 then at 7.50 it could also be worth having a small bet on this correct score.
A fascinating match in prospect, that really both sides need to win. However, with 10 matches still to go in the league after this one they also both might settle for a draw and move onto easier matches to pick up points in their top four missions.
Best Bet: DRAW @3.60
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Saturday 10th February 2018
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal 12:30
- Played this season, Arsenal 2-0 Spurs
- Last season’s repeat fixture finished, Spurs 2-0 Arsenal
- 4 of the last 5 head-to-heads produced UNDER 2.5 GOALS
- Both teams have scored in 6 of the last 8 meetings (all comps)
- Spurs have not lost in the last 3 repeat fixtures
- Spurs have tasted defeat in just 1 of their last 9 home league games vs Arsenal
- 4 DRAWS in the last 7 head-to-heads (3 have been 1-1)
- Harry Kane (Spurs) has scored 6 goals in his last 6 league games vs Arsenal
- Harry Kane is the top league scorer for Spurs (22 goals) this season
- Lacazette is the top league scorer for Arsenal (9 goals) this season