Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 35
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
London, England
Sunday, 28 April 2024
Kick-off is at 15h00
The
195th North London derby holds extra significance as Tottenham and Arsenal have more to play for than just local bragging rights at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, April 28.
Spurs would love nothing more than to play spoiler in the Premier League title race by denting the hopes of their fierce rivals, who are locked in a three-way battle with Liverpool and Manchester City for the coveted trophy.
The Gunners went three points clear of the Reds courtesy of a 5-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on April 23, although Manchester City have the chance to move up to second place and cut that gap down to one when they take on Brighton at the Amex on April 25.
Jurgen Klopp's side suffered their second defeat in three games after they were beaten 2-0 by neighbours Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on April 24.
The Lilywhites are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 4-0 loss to Newcastle at St James' Park on April 13, which handed the advantage to Aston Villa in the pursuit of UEFA Champions League football.
Villa pulled six points clear of Ange Postecoglou's side in fourth position thanks to a 3-1 win over Bournemouth at Villa Park on April 21, albeit having played two games more but with a superior goal difference.
Image copyright: Getty Images
In team news, the hosts remain without Fraser Forster (ankle), Ryan Sessegnon, Destiny Udogie (both thigh) and Manor Solomon (knee), but Richarlison (knee) and Pedro Porro (hamstring) could come back into contention. Mikel Arteta has an almost fully-fit squad at his disposal, with just Jurrien Timber unavailable for selection.
Postecoglou felt his players were threatening enough on the ball against the Magpies, something they cannot afford to repeat for the visit of Arsenal.
"We just didn't really get a grip of the game at all. Right from the start it felt like we allowed Newcastle to dictate the way the game was played, we never really wrestled control at any stage. We paid a price for that," he said.
"It ended up being a transition game. A lot of it was self-inflicted by us. We were not brave on the ball. We have been really good this year at understanding that when we have the ball we can be a threat. We just shied away from that today."
Image copyright: Getty Images
Arteta admits the result against the Blues is a huge confidence-booster for his squad at a crucial time of the season as he looks to avoid crumbling again like they did 12 months ago.
"Great for us obviously, for the confidence, for the belief that we can do it and we can come to these stages against big teams and we can perform and win games the way we have done tonight,
So enjoy it and it's back to work tomorrow because we have a big one Sunday and we're going to have to prepare really well to try to beat them (Tottenham)."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Tottenham wins - 1
Arsenal wins - 3
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 35 fixtures:
Saturday, April 27
13h30: West Ham United v Liverpool
16h00: Fulham v Crystal Palace
16h00: Manchester United v Burnley
16h00: Newcastle United v Sheffield United
16h00: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Luton Town
18h30: Everton v Brentford
21h00: Aston Villa v Chelsea
Sunday, April 28
15h00: Bournemouth v Brighton & Hove Albion
15h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
17h30: Nottingham Forest v Manchester City
Bet on the English Premier League
Kick off your sports betting journey & place a winning bet with our exciting Sports Welcome Offer where you’ll get up to R1,000 as a Free Bet when you make your first deposit.
Stand to win big with Live Games
Enjoy your favourite Live Casino Games from as little as R1 per bet with massive winning potential of up to R5 million on some selected games. Unlock all your favourite Live Games today and take a seat at your favourite tables to take on the dealer head-on.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram