Premier League: Arsenal v Tottenham match preview

A look ahead to the final match of the weekend in the Premier League at The Emirates

Jack Wilshere with Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal’s home defeat to Aston Villa in the first game of the season threatened to derail their season. However, a 3-1 away win away at Fulham and qualification for the Champions League have gone some way to getting the side back on track. A home win against local rivals Spurs will remove some of the pressure on Arsene Wenger.

Tottenham’s start to the season has been faultless. Two 1-0 wins in the Premier League and a straightforward win in the Europa League play-offs has seen many of their new signings bed in well. Spurs will be hoping to continue their fine form into the north London Derby and score from open play - something they're yet to do this term.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 4pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Tottenham 2 (Bale, Lennon), Arsenal 1 (Mertesacker), Premier League, March 2013

Arsenal 5 (Mertesacker, Podolski, Giroud, Cazorla, Walcott) Tottenham 2 (Adebayor, Bale), Premier League, November 2012

Arsenal 5 (Sagna, Van Persie, Rosicky, Walcott 2) Tottenham 2 (Saha, Adebayor), Premier League, February 2012

STATS…

In 152 league encounters, Arsenal have won 62, whilst Spurs have won 49.

The North London Derby has averaged over five goals in the last seven meetings

There have been three penalties in the last five league meetings, all for Spurs. 

ODDS…

Arsenal to win: 2.05

Tottenham to win: 3.40

Draw: 3.60

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH…

Arsenal 4 Tottenham 4 (The Emirates, Wednesday, October 29, 2008)

The North London Derby is always a lively encounter with numerous high scoring matches. However, the Premier League encounter of October 2008 takes some beating for pure drama. Tottenham took the lead through a 40 yard David Bentley volley before Arsenal stormed into a 3-1 lead. Tottenham scored again through Tom Huddlestone but Arsenal strengthened their advantage once more to 4-2. In the dying minutes, Jermaine Jenas scored a 20 yard curling effort before Aaron Lennon knocked in a rebounded Luka Modric strike to cap an eventful night.

TV: Live match shown on Sky Sports 1 HD & Sky 3D at 16.00, Sunday. Highlights on BBC One at 22.20, Saturday (Match of the Day), and BBC One at 22.25, Sunday (Match of the Day 2)