Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal in the North London derby this weekend in a local grudge match not short of spite.
There’s no love lost between the capital neighbours and each will be wanting to take maximum points and bragging rights on Sunday.
For Spurs, Ange Postecoglou will want a response from his side after defeat to Newcastle United in their last fixture before the international break. Postecoglou’s men remain frustratingly inconsistent, a characteristic that derailed their bid for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification last season.
Spurs have watched on as Arsenal have gone past them in recent campaigns, with their North London rivals having emerged as Manchester City’s closest challengers for the Premier League. A positive result this weekend will spread confidence that Spurs can compete with the best in the division, though the Lilywhites have lost five of their last seven league meetings with Arsenal.
Spurs vs Arsenal – Predicted lineup and team news
Spurs team news
Spurs are set to be handed a huge boost with the return of Micky van de Ven to the side. The Dutch defender sat out the defeat to Newcastle with Postecoglou revealing Van de Ven ‘wasn’t quite 100 per cent’. After the 23-year-old’s injury problems last season, Spurs are keen to manage his work load this season, though his absence was felt as the North Londoners lost at St James’ Park.
“Micky was close, he trained this week, but he’s not quite 100 per cent. Part of me was keen to give Radu (Dragusin) a run as well, especially at this venue, so we’ve gone with Radu,” Postecoglou said.
“It’s nothing serious, we’ve a heavy programme after the international break. We’re going to need all our back four, so getting Radu a game is positive for us.”
Van de Ven did not join up with the Netherlands squad for September’s Nations League fixtures as a result. He can expect to return in central defence to partner Cristian Romero, replacing Dragusin in the side.
Micky Van De Ven, Dominic Solanke are both expected to be back for NLD.
Richarlison is said to be 50/50 for the game. pic.twitter.com/ledw6JR6YG
— Spurs Xtra (@thfcsxtra) September 9, 2024
Further forward, Dominic Solanke has also been stepping up his recovery from injury during the international break. Solanke has been absent since making his debut on the opening weekend, due to an ankle problem. The £65m club-record signing should feature against Arsenal. However, fellow forward Richarlison remains out.
Spurs predicted line up
Spurs Predicted XI vs Arsenal (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Solanke.
When do Spurs face Arsenal?
Spurs host Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday September 15th. Kick-off is at 14:00 (BST).
What TV channel is Spurs vs Arsenal on?
The North London derby will be shown live on Sky Sports to a UK audience.
