'If I'm being honest': Paul Merson has just predicted the result of Tottenham vs Arsenal NLD clash

09/13/2024 03:35 AM

Arsenal’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the North London derby promises to be an exciting clash between two great rivals.

Both sides come into the game on the back of disappointing results before the international break and will look to pip one another for three points.

Arsenal suffered an early blow to their Premier League title hopes when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Tottenham, on the other hand, were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United away from home despite looking comfortable in the opening exchanges of the game.

With Arsenal struggling with absentees in midfield and Spurs not really making the most of their chances, Paul Merson suggests the two sides could cancel each other out this weekend.

Paul Merson predicts a draw between Tottenham and Arsenal

Arsenal have problems in midfield as Declan Rice is suspended and Martin Odegaard is out with an ankle injury he picked up while representing Norway.

Merson feels Tottenham can take advantage of their woes in the centre of the park and get at least a point as he predicted a 1-1 draw.

“I worry for Arsenal in the north London derby. No Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard is a huge concern,” Merson wrote in his column for Sportskeeda.

“I’ll have to go with a draw here, but that’s more in hope if I’m being honest. Tottenham have been unlucky, they could’ve been top of the league if they weren’t naive at the back.

“Arsenal have to get either two or four points from the next two fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester City.”

The Arsenal icon sent a warning to his former team that their upcoming run could be crucial to their Premier League title hopes, having already dropped points against Brighton.

“If Arsenal beat Spurs and lose to City, it’s no good because City will then move further ahead. If they don’t get a result against Spurs, they’re not going to win at City either.

“This is a massive match for Arsenal. If City win this weekend and Arsenal draw, that’s a four-point lead for the reigning champions. And then if City beat Arsenal, it becomes a seven-point lead. Now that would be a big problem for Arsenal.”

How can Arsenal cope without Rice and Odegaard?

Thomas Partey and Jorginho are expected to start in midfield versus Tottenham, but it remains to be seen what Mikel Arteta does with the third midfield spot.

Kai Havertz has been tipped to drop into midfield, with the likes of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka playing up front.

However, there are whispers that Ethan Nwaneri could earn his first start for Arsenal, which would be a massive moment for the 17-year-old.

Whether or not Arteta decides to start the youngster in a game of such significance, however, remains to be seen.