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Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal FC
Thursday sees an incredibly important Premier League match between Tottenham and Arsenal, with nothing less than a place in the top flight at stake. It is the catch-up match from matchday 22, which kicks off at 20:45. The Gunners are currently four points ahead of their arch-rivals, who must win at all costs. Anything less than a win would almost certainly mean that Spurs will not be competing in the Champions League next season either.
For Arsenal, on the other hand, it would be the first time since 2017 that Mikel Arteta’s side would be back in Europe’s most attractive competition. They have everything in their own hands and even with a possible defeat at Tottenham Stadium on Thursday. Find out who we think can win the derby in this Tottenham – Arsenal tip.
Tottenham – Arsenal info:
– Date & Time: 12.05.2022, 20:45 hrs.
– Venue: Tottenham Stadium (London)
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 22
– TV coverage: Sky Sport
Tottenham Form & Balance Check
It has been another season of ups and downs at the London club. A successful start was followed by a steep relegation and the swift sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo as coach. Then Antonio Conte, one of the most successful coaches of recent years, was hired. But the Italian alone cannot silence the disturbing noises around the club.
There have been and still are many problems at Tottenham, the biggest of which is probably the lack of consistency in the team. Things have really only gone downhill since losing the final of the premier league three years ago and Spurs have not played in the Champions League since.
Is there still a conciliatory ending?
At least the sporting performance has improved considerably in the second half of the season. The points tally has improved, plus they were able to beat City and get a point against Liverpool last weekend. The attack is really strong, Heung-Min Son is second in the goalscoring charts and Harry Kane has also blossomed more and more in recent weeks. Tottenham have already qualified for the Europa League, so the only thing that matters in the last few weeks is reaching the Champions League. But for that, as I said, they need three points on Thursday.
Tottenham facts & analysis
– They have conceded 18 goals in 16 games in the second leg.
– Son has scored 13 of the 20 goals in the second half of the season
– Spurs have only drawn once at home this season (11 wins, 5 defeats)
Arsenal Form & Balance Check
After one of the worst starts to a season in Gunners history, the tide has turned extremely and suddenly the team is on course for the Champions League. Although not everything is running smoothly, the trend is clearly positive. Arsenal are doing their duty and are also picking up points against the stronger teams in the league. As a result, they have already collected 66 points.
The London club no longer plays the exhilarating attacking football of the golden generation, but there is still an incredibly positive trend. To ensure that things continue to go so well in the future, the young players should definitely be retained.
Saka & Co. are the future at Arsenal
The player who is partly responsible for this positive upswing is Bukayo Saka. The Englishman is still extremely young at 20 years of age, but he is already one of the most coked off players in the squad. Add to that talents like Emil Smith-Rowe, who have finally shown what they are made of this year. Defensively, the Gunners have also improved extremely. At the Emirates Stadium they have the third best defence in the league, conceding on average less than one goal in home games. If things continue like this, a new era is growing at Arsenal.
Arsenal facts & analysis
– Arsenal have only drawn once away from home this season.
– They won their last game 2-1 against Leeds
– In 6 of the last 7 games involving the Gunners, at least 3 goals have always been scored
Predicted line-up – last update on 10 May 2022
Both teams performed well last weekend, so there will be maximum tactical changes and no performance-related ones. For the home side, the attacking trio of Son, Kane and Kulusevski has established itself well, so we don’t expect any changes there. The midfield has also been very stable recently.
The visitors will also make little to no changes. Ben White is not expected to return, so Holding will again start in central defence. In attack, either the double goal scorer from last matchday Nketiah or Lacazette will start.
Tottenham – Arsenal direct comparison & stats
The two have met 169 times in the Premier League, with the Gunners slightly ahead in the overall comparison. They have won a total of 68 games, while Spurs have come out on top 54 times.
– Arsenal won the first leg 3:1
– Arsenal have only won once in a visiting game at Tottenham since 2007
– Tottenham have always won at least one half in 13 of the last 15 head-to-head duels
