Tottenham head into the North London derby knowing they must respond after taking just one point from their last two Premier League matches. The pressure has increased after the weekend results pushed them down to eighth place, but a win at the Emirates would launch them straight back into the top four.
It is the kind of swing that can reshape a season, yet it requires overcoming a challenge they have failed to meet for 15 long years. Spurs have not beaten Arsenal away from home since that dramatic 3-2 comeback in 2010, and their next 14 trips to the Emirates have brought only frustration.
That is the weight Tottenham carry into this match, but they also arrive with a refreshed squad and a sense that things might finally tilt in their favour.
Thomas Frank has been boosted by the return of several key players this week, giving him more depth and more decisions to make. Even with those choices, Guglielmo Vicario remains the obvious selection in goal, offering calmness and consistency at a time when Spurs need both.
One of the most intriguing decisions lies at left back. Destiny Udogie is often considered the natural fit, but Djed Spence has taken his chance brilliantly in recent displays.
His confidence is high after a goal and an assist in his last two matches, and that momentum may be enough to keep him in the starting lineup. Frank is aware that his defensive balance must be right, but Spence has added energy and intelligence to the backline, making it difficult to leave him out.
Alongside him, the core defensive trio is unlikely to change. Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Pedro Porro provide stability, pace, and grit qualities Spurs will desperately need against Arsenal’s pressure and movement.
The midfield pairing of Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr gives Tottenham power, bite, and defensive coverage. Both players offer huge work rates, and their discipline will be key in breaking Arsenal’s rhythm and protecting the defence from overloads.
Further forward, Frank appears ready to give Wilson Odobert another chance from the start. The young winger has not begun a league match since last month’s loss to Aston Villa, but his recent displays have been bright, delivering both a goal and an assist in his last two appearances.
He adds unpredictability and direct running, something Spurs will need to unsettle Arsenal’s organised backline. Alongside Odobert, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus bring creativity, flair, and the ability to influence the game in the tight spaces Tottenham will face at the Emirates. Both players are capable of finding gaps and creating chances under pressure, making them crucial to the attacking setup.
Leading the line, Richarlison is expected to start once again. His physicality, movement, and aggression suit a derby atmosphere, and Tottenham will look to him to occupy defenders, hold up play, and make the most of any chances that fall his way.
The Brazilian remains a polarising figure, but his work rate and commitment often rise in the biggest fixtures, and Spurs will hope he can deliver something decisive.
Tottenham know the scale of the challenge ahead, but they also arrive with a sense of possibility. New energy in the team, returning players, and a clearer attacking shape make them more dangerous than they were a few weeks ago.
The predicted lineup reflects a balance of trust, form, and tactical need, shaped around players who have recently stepped up and those who consistently deliver.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Simons, Odobert; Richarlison
