The stakes for this weekend’s North London derby have shifted from traditional local pride to a desperate battle for survival on one side and a fragile title charge on the other. When Tottenham Hotspur welcomes Arsenal to their home turf this Sunday afternoon, the atmosphere will be thick with tension.
For Spurs, the reality is stark: they are currently mired in a slump that has seen them fail to secure a Premier League victory in eight consecutive matches. This winless streak has left them hovering just five points above the relegation zone. A defeat today wouldn’t just be a blow to their ego; it would officially entrench them in a fight to stay in the top flight.
In the midst of this crisis, a new face arrives to lead the charge. Igor Tudor takes the reins for his first match as head coach, and he does so with a massive weight on his shoulders.
The Croatian manager has publicly stated his total confidence that Tottenham will avoid the drop, but he must now prove that his tactics can translate into points. Tudor is known for making an immediate impact, having won the opening match in each of his last five managerial roles.
However, the task at hand is complicated by a squad that has been decimated by injuries. Recent training sessions have seen as few as thirteen senior players available, forcing the new boss to focus on intensity and a swift change in mentality rather than deep tactical overhauls.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrives at the stadium carrying their own heavy burden. While they remain league leaders, the cracks are starting to show in Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners have developed a worrying habit of letting leads slip away, having dropped seven points from winning positions since the start of 2026.
Their midweek collapse against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where they surrendered a two-goal lead, has allowed their title rivals to close the gap. The nerves are becoming visible, and if Spurs can find their footing early, they might be able to exploit an Arsenal side that is beginning to feel the suffocating pressure of a title race.
The historical data offers a grim outlook for the hosts. Arsenal has dominated this fixture recently, winning six of the last seven league meetings. Even more concerning for the home supporters is that Spurs have lost their last three home games against their bitter rivals.
In fact, Tottenham is the only team in the Premier League that has yet to win a single game in the calendar year of 2026. Breaking that curse during a derby would be the ultimate way to kickstart the Tudor era, but the statistics suggest Arsenal’s away record in London derbies losing only once in their last twenty-one trips makes them the clear favorites.
The team news for Tottenham is a mixture of frustration and slight relief. The defensive line remains a major concern as Cristian Romero continues to serve his suspension. This leaves a leadership void that Tudor must fill by appointing a new captain for the day.
There is better news further up the pitch, as Richarlison has returned to the fold after a stint on the sidelines. Dominic Solanke has been battling a throat infection but has managed to participate in light training, giving hope that he can lead the line.
Unfortunately, the list of absentees remains long and illustrious. Key players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Destiny Udogie are still out, which severely limits Tudor’s ability to rotate his squad or change the game from the bench.
Given the limited resources, the predicted lineup suggests a resilient 4-2-3-1 formation. Guglielmo Vicario will start in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven, and Djed Spence.
The midfield pivot will likely feature the grit of Joao Palhinha alongside the energy of Conor Gallagher. This duo will be vital in disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm and shielding a makeshift defense. In the creative roles, Xavi Simons is expected to pull the strings as the central playmaker, flanked by the pace of Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani. If Solanke is deemed fit enough to start, he will be the focal point of the attack, tasked with testing an Arsenal defense that has looked shaky under pressure.
| Tottenham Predicted Lineup | Position | Status |
| Guglielmo Vicario | Goalkeeper | Confirmed Starter |
| Micky van de Ven | Centre-Back | Defensive Anchor |
| Joao Palhinha | Defensive Midfield | Key Destroyer |
| Xavi Simons | Attacking Midfield | Creative Hub |
| Dominic Solanke | Centre-Forward | Main Goal Threat |
This match is about much more than just three points; it is a collision of two desperate narratives. For Tottenham, a win would provide the “new manager bounce” they so desperately need to pull away from the bottom three.
For Arsenal, a victory is essential to settle the nerves and prove they have the mental fortitude to finish the season as champions. In the volatile world of North London football, Sunday’s result will likely dictate the mood of the entire city for the months to come.
