EPL Preview: North London derby, Chelsea, Liverpool, other top clashes for Sunday
Following their first Champions League game in over six years, Arsenal are gearing up to host Tottenham in the North London derby this Sunday at the Emirate stadium.
Both teams enter this fixture with unblemished Premier League records. Tottenham currently holds the second position, while Arsenal sits in fourth place, separated only by goal difference. In third place is Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool, with Manchester City leading the pack.
This eagerly anticipated match marks a historic occasion as it’s the first Premier League North London derby featuring both Arsenal and Tottenham without a loss going into the game. This rarity extends to only the third time in league history that both clubs are unbeaten when facing each other, with the last instance dating back to 1990.
In recent years, Arsenal has dominated this clash, securing victories in both league meetings last season and winning four out of the last five Premier League encounters with Tottenham. Mikel Arteta boasts a flawless home record against Spurs, having won all three of his home league meetings. If he triumphs again on Sunday, he’ll join Terry Neill (1977-1980) as the only managers to win their first four home north London derby matches in charge of Arsenal.
Arsenal enters this fixture on a high note after a convincing 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, showcasing their prowess when faced with high-pressing opponents, a style advocated by their manager Ange Postecoglu. While Tottenham boasts higher-caliber players than PSV, Arsenal’s performance, especially through the electric Martin Ødegaard, bodes well for their prospects in the derby.
Tottenham, on the other hand, secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Sheffield United in their last outing, with late goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski. This victory maintained their undefeated start to the season and marked another game where they scored at least two goals, a feat achieved by only a handful of managers in their first five Premier League matches.
While Tottenham has been in a similar position in the past, this time, there’s a palpable difference in the club’s outlook compared to a year ago, even if their unbeaten streak is broken in this fixture.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has been in exceptional form, contributing to 18 goals in his last 18 Premier League home appearances. His recent performances, both in scoring and assisting, highlight his importance to the team.
In goal, David Raya has been preferred over Aaron Ramsdale in recent matches, thanks to his ball-playing abilities, especially his precise long-range passing.
As we look forward to another exciting weekend of English football, we’ve compiled our top bets and predictions to enhance your enjoyment of the matches.
Additionally, on Sunday, Liverpool will host West Ham United at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp’s side continues its pursuit of the title.
Sunday’s EPL fixtures
Arsenal Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Brighton Vs Bournemouth
Chelsea Vs Aston Villa
Liverpool Vs WestHam United
Sheffield United Vs Newcastle United
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