As the North London Derby approaches this Sunday, football pundit Jamie Carragher has shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated showdown between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
With both teams aiming to assert dominance early in the Premier League season, Carragher expects a close encounter but believes Spurs will have the upper hand in terms of control.
Under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham have adopted an aggressive, free-flowing style of play that Carragher predicts will cause issues for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Speaking on Stick To Football, Carragher said:
“I think Tottenham will dominate the game, but Arsenal’s defence will make sure they get something from the game.”
He expects Spurs to enjoy large spells of possession, putting the Gunners on the back foot, but believes Arsenal’s solid defensive organisation could see them hold out for a result.
Both teams come into the derby with injury concerns. Tottenham will be without Brazilian forward Richarlison, who picked up an injury in training, and midfield dynamo Yves Bissouma, who sustained a groin injury while on international duty with Mali. Additionally, young striker Will Lankshear is also sidelined due to injury.
On the Arsenal side, the Gunners are facing their own injury crisis. Captain Martin Odegaard is ruled out following an injury during the international break, while Declan Rice is suspended after a red card in the last match.
Arsenal’s summer signing Mikel Merino is also absent with a shoulder injury, leaving Arteta with a depleted midfield.
With both sides missing key players, Carragher believes a score draw is the most likely outcome.
