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London is divided before the biggest derby in the city, but the neutrals are sure to enjoy a great match, similar to all these traditional encounters between Arsenal and Tottenham, especially in recent years. So much history here!
Arsene Wenger again failed to make a big name signing. More so, the gunners only acquired Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre, and after losing 1-3 at home to Villa in the first round the fans started to show their anger at the lack of transfers. But, like always in recent years, Arsenal bounced back when least expected and they won 3-1 at Fulham between two easy wins against Fenerbahce in the Champions League playoffs.
Tottenham has an amazing squad this year, even if Bale will eventually leave the club. Spurs have made some fantastic transfers, including Soldado, Paulinho or Eriksen. Especially Soldado has been brilliant so far, scoring both of Tottenham`s goals in the first two rounds (1-0 at Crystal Palace, 1-0 vs. Swansea).
Team news and lineups
Vermaalen and Bale are the two biggest missings for the two teams. Arsenal, of course, has its traditional list of injuries (Artera, Oxlade – Chamberlain, Diaby, Podolski) while Tottenham will also miss some players besides Bale (Assou-Ekoto, Adebayor + Lennon who is doubtful). New signings Eriksen and Chiriches will probably not feature for Spurs.
Arsenal: Szczesny – Koscielny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Monreal – Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla – Walcott, Giroud, Rosicky
Tottenham: Lloris – Walker, Vertonghen, Dawson, Rose – Townsend, Dembele, Capoue, Paulinho, Chadli – Soldado
Both teams have incredible quality up front and they play an attacking style of football. Arsenal proves it with their results so far (1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 2-0), while Tottenham over went over 2,5 in both games against Tbilisi in the Europa League. Despite this, Tottenham will start pouring goals in sooner than later. They have always been a high scoring club and this year they reinforced their offensive line, so now being settled in the new season they should start scoring. Their lack of goals in the first two rounds was mainly because of Crystal Palace and Swansea defending in numbers. Today Spurs have a different kind of opponent.
The H2H speaks volumes, with EIGHT consecutive over 2,5 games between these teams in the league and six overall, including incredible matches with a total of 6 or 7 goals scored. The fast paced style in the Premier League, the offensive power of these two teams, the fact that it`s a derby, all these factors, among others, contributed to these high-scoring games between Arsenal and Tottenham.
This should be great. Arsenal is desperate for a win to make up for the lack of signings, and they are looking brilliant in front of goal, so they are sure to create some chances. On the other hand, Tottenham has so much quality up front and with Veermalen`s absense, the Spurs could have a field day against Arsenal`s weak defense. The rhythm will be very up-tempo, like always in English derbies and especially in the Arsenal – Tottenham games. This game could go either way, but expect a lot of goal scoring opportunities. You have to feel that 10 units are more than justified on this one. You could also choose over 3,5 with a smaller stake, but I`m going with safety here.
Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.73 @ Sbobet
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 7.30
Event date: 1 September
