Tottenham vs Arsenal – News and Probable Lineups

The eagerly anticipated North London derby is once again on the horizon, with Sunday’s clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal carrying significant implications for both rival teams.

Igor Tudor is set to face a true challenge in his first match as Tottenham’s head coach this weekend, while Mikel Arteta is under pressure as criticisms regarding his team’s performance resurface.

Match overview

It once seemed unthinkable that a Premier League season could unfold without Tottenham and Arsenal clashing, but if Tudor fails to rectify Tottenham’s alarming drop in form, the North London derby may not feature in the 2026-27 season.

The recently unemployed Thomas Frank was, according to many home fans, deserving of his dismissal after his injury-stricken squad suffered a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in their latest outing. This result left the Europa League holders precariously just five points above the relegation zone.

No supporter of Tottenham is under any illusion that their team is not entrenched in a relegation struggle, especially since they are the only side yet to secure a Premier League victory in 2026, with only four points garnered from 24 available.

This is where Tudor steps in; the ex-Lazio, Marseille, and Juventus manager – whose stint at the latter ended earlier than expected – is tasked with stabilizing the team for the remainder of the season, and history indicates that the Croatian could quickly win over the fans.

In fact, Tudor has triumphed in his opening match with each of his last five clubs – including a second timeframe at Hajduk Split – yet he takes over a Tottenham roster that boasts the third-worst home record in the Premier League this season, accumulating a mere two victories.

In relation to challenges, worried Arsenal supporters all over the country are once again experiencing the heartache of past near misses, after their team squandered two crucial points against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a team that could end the season with the lowest ever Premier League points tally.

The 2-2 draw was arguably a fair reflection of the effort put forth by the Old Gold, as Mikel Arteta’s side repeatedly gave possession away to the basement dwellers while ineffectively attempting to wind down the clock at Molineux.

Arsenal still hold the reins in their title quest; however, their once-comfortable lead over Manchester City – who also control their fate ahead of April’s crucial clash at the Etihad – may shrink to just two points if the Sky Blues win their game in hand.

Dropping points away from home has turned into an unfortunate trend for the league leaders, who have clinched only three victories from nine Premier League matches away from home, but their supremacy in North London derbies has been clear in recent seasons.

Indeed, Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last seven Premier League outings against Tottenham, claiming victories in their last three matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and handed their rivals a heavy 4-1 defeat, inspired by Eberechi Eze, at the Emirates in November.

Team News

Good news regarding player fitness has been rare for Tottenham throughout the season, but Tudor welcomes Richarlison back into first-team training, while Pedro Porro (thigh) is not entirely ruled out either.

However, Wilson Odobert is sidelined for the rest of the season due to an ACL tear sustained against Newcastle, joining Dejan Kulusexi (knee), James Maddison (ACL), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Kevin Danso (ankle), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle), and Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh) in a list of absent players.

Cristian Romero will also be serving the second match of a four-game suspension on Sunday, hindering Tudor’s plans to implement his preferred three-man defence immediately, though he can call upon former Juventus player Randal Kolo Muani to take Odobert’s place.

Unlike Tottenham, Arsenal are relatively unscathed on the injury front and may see the return of up to three players on Sunday, as Martin Odegaard (knee), Kai Havertz (muscle), and Max Dowman (ankle) all have chances to feature – with Odegaard’s return seeming particularly promising.

Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were both injured in the draw against Wolves; while there are no significant fears regarding Saka’s issue, Trossard’s situation is more concerning after he was substituted due to a head injury.

Saka performed admirably as a number 10 on Wednesday, but if Odegaard is fit to play, Saka could revert to the right wing, with Noni Madueke likely to miss out after a disappointing performance midweek.

Tottenham Hotspur probable starting XI:

Vicar; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

Arsenal probable starting XI:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

If Wednesday’s result didn’t provide Arsenal the wake-up call they needed to redirect their title push, nothing will. All the frustration, anger, and despair that the Gunners experienced midweek – they must harness that energy into what promises to be an intriguing North London derby.

In the home corner, Tottenham have all the motivation needed to succeed; from derailing Arsenal’s title race to alleviating rising relegation concerns in Tudor’s first match in charge.

Nonetheless, the hosts’ injury troubles and dismal home form are hard to overlook, and we have faith that Arsenal will bring some fresh enthusiasm to North London in this weekend’s highlight fixture.