The 198th edition of the North London Derby takes centre stage this weekend, with Premier League leaders Arsenal hosting rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.
This clash is more than just three points—it’s a chance for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners to assert dominance in the title race and for Thomas Frank’s Spurs to prove their top-four credentials amid a gruelling schedule.
With both sides nursing lengthy injury lists post-international break, expect a battle of resilience, tactical nous, and raw passion.
Kick-off is at 4:30 pm GMT on Sunday, November 23, 2025, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Current Form and Context
Arsenal sit top of the table with a four-point lead over Manchester City after a 2-2 draw at Sunderland before the break, extending their unbeaten run to eight league games (6 wins, 2 draws).
Their defence has been rock-solid, conceding just five goals in 11 matches, but dropping points against promoted sides has kept the pressure on. Spurs, in fifth, boast the league’s best away record (4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses), including shock victories at Manchester City and West Ham.
However, a late draw against Manchester United highlighted their fragility, and they’re desperate for a statement win to close the gap to Champions League spots.
This derby kicks off a massive week for Arsenal: Bayern Munich in the Champions League midweek, followed by Chelsea.
For Tottenham, it’s sandwiched between a PSG trip in Europe.
History favours the hosts—Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six league derbies (5 wins, 1 draw) and haven’t lost at home to Spurs since 2010.
Team News and Injuries
Injuries have hit both squads hard, with up to 19 players potentially sidelined. Arsenal’s defensive crisis deepened with Gabriel Magalhães ruled out for “weeks” (thigh/groin issue from Brazil duty), forcing a reshuffle. Positively, several attackers could return.
Predicted Line-ups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Hincapié; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Trossard, Merino. (Mosquera steps in for Gabriel; Merino as a false 9 if Gyökeres isn’t fit.)
Tottenham (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Johnson, Kudus, Simons; Richarlison. (Kudus back in midfield; Kolo Muani on the bench with his mask.)
Key Battles and Talking Points
Bukayo Saka vs Djed Spence: Saka’s derby magic (goal/assist in last 4 vs Spurs) meets Spurs’ right-back, who’s been solid but untested in this intensity.
Declan Rice vs Xavi Simons: Arsenal’s midfield anchor faces Tottenham’s creative spark—Simons needs to unlock a Spurs attack averaging 1.8 goals away.
Eberechi Eze’s Redemption Arc: The £80m summer signing from Crystal Palace (nearly joined Spurs) has 1 goal and 2 assists, but craves a defining moment against his almost-club.
Set-Piece Supremacy: Arsenal lead the league with 10 set-piece goals; Spurs have conceded just 2. Expect Saliba and Romero to dominate aerial duels.
No Kane or Son Era: First derby since 2014 without Harry Kane or Heung-min Son—Richarlison vs Trossard steps into the spotlight.
Title Implications: A win catapults Arsenal seven points clear (assuming City’s result); Tim Sherwood boldly claims it’d signal “years” of Gunners dominance.
