Arsenal travel to face Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday in the north London derby, with both sides desperate for three points after faltering in their final games before the international break.
The Gunners had started their season with successive wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa before dropping two points against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Meanwhile, Spurs lost 2-1 to Newcastle United courtesy of a late winner from Alexander Isak. Head coach Ange Postecoglou will demand a response from his troops as they host their arch-rivals.
Arsenal are the favourites to win this clash, having claimed victory in five of their last ten meetings against Spurs (D2, L3).
However, they are dealing with several injuries that could leave them short-manned for the tie. Captain Martin Odegaard and new signing Riccardo Calafiori picked up knocks during international duty and will not be available for the clash.
Also, new signing Mikel Merino is set to miss several weeks of action after picking up a setback in his first few days at the club. Adding to their woes, Declan Rice picked up a needless red card in the Brighton match and is suspended.
Consequently, pundits have been more measured with their predictions for the game. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher was one of those playing it safe.
Carragher said (via Super 6): “Arsenal’s defence will ensure they come away from Spurs with a point, which will be a good point with the players they have missing.”
Arsenal’s backline must hold the fort against Spurs
Arsenal conceded the least number of goals in the Premier League last term (29), with David Raya picking up the Golden Glove. They have kept two clean sheets this term from their first three games.
This depleted Arsenal squad will need that defensive resilience when they face Spurs on Sunday.
Tottenham should come pouring forward, sensing an opportunity to get one over their neighbours, but if the defence can stay watertight, Arsenal could nick a point or three.
