The winners of today’s north London derby at the Emirates will top the Premier League table this evening. Spurs have not won at Arsenal since their improbable 3-2 win back in 2010 when they came from two down and they were fortunate to pick up a point at Chelsea earlier in the season – their biggest league test so far this term.
I am not yet convinced Spurs are genuine title contenders but if they win today’s early kick-off then even the most sceptical will have to sit up and take notice. But will they?
Arsenal were picked off on the break when beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season and Mikel Arteta will be wary of Spurs adopting similar tactics with Antonio Conte’s side breaking the Gunners press enabling a resurgent Son Heung-Min and co to counter at pace.
Arsenal are 21/20 at Unibet to gain the points and bragging rights with the draw 11/4 at William Hill and Spurs 5/2 with Bet365. Gabriel Jesus heads the first goalscorer market at 9/2 with Betfred and the Brazilian was left out of the Brazil squad for the recent international break. He will be raring to go. Harry Kane has 13 goals in 17 games against the Gunners and the England skipper is 6/1 with Boylesports to open the scoring
It promises to be a fascinating and informative derby but one that does not lead Pep Guardiola to have a sleepless night ahead of tomorrow’s Manchester derby. Arsenal to win and both teams to score is 11/4 at Paddy Power and that is the recommendation. Referee Anthony Taylor could be in for a busy afternoon. Rodrigo Bentacur is 19/10 to be shown a card with Unibet and that looks a shade too big.
Manchester United have not played in the PL since their win over Arsenal four weeks ago and neighbours City did the double over the Red Devils last term by an aggregate score of 6-1. United boss Erik ten Hag must decide whether to change his winning side – they have won their last three away games in all competitions to nil – or bring in Brazilian Casemiro.
I feel ten Hag will leave out either Jadon Sancho or Christian Eriksen for the former Real Madrid midfielder who is 6/4 to be shown a card by Michael Oliver. The remarkable Erling Haaland is a top price of just 9/1 with Bet365 to score a hat-trick and odds on at 8/13 to add to his remarkable 11 league goals so far this term. I am looking forward to seeing how United centre backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane cope with the Norwegian superstar.
City make little appeal at 4/11 to keep the points at the Etihad although they have scored a remarkable 14 times in their three home league games to date. This is the acid test for ten Hag’s United and I think they can give City a real game. City to win and both teams to score is 8/5 with Betway and that is the recommendation. Scott McTominay is 2/1 with Betfair to see yellow and that looks overpriced in a game that promises to be played in a red-hot derby atmosphere.
Leeds entertain Aston Villa in Sunday’s late kick-off and I think the 27/20 for the hosts represents the value despite the fact that Jesse Marsch will have to watch the game from the stands following his red card at Brentford last month. It is unlikely to be the American’s last, but I love his passion and energy.
Bet of the weekend: Leeds to beat Aston Villa at 27/20 with Unibet
