Arsenal vs Tottenham: North London Derby Prediction & Preview | Gameweek 12

Match Details:

• Fixture: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur (The North London Derby)
• Competition: Premier League (Gameweek 12, 2025/26 Season)
• Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
• Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
• Kick-Off: 14:00 BST (16:00 EAT)

Arsenal vs Tottenham Prediction: Title Race Intensifies in North London Derby

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur takes center stage this Sunday as league leaders Arsenal host bitter rivals Tottenham in the first North London Derby of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Arsenal have been in blistering form, sitting top of the table with 26 points although last gameweek they suffered a slip up at Sunderland after a 2-2 draw. After the match Mikel Arteta said he felt a ‘pain in his tummy’ after his side conceded first goal in 881 minutes. Brian Brobbey's stoppage time goal ended  Arsenal's winning run of 5 Epl matches and 10 matches in all competitions as second half strikes by Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were only enough to secure Arsenal single point.

Meanwhile Spurs, though competitive in the European spots (5th), have struggled with recent form under their new manager's Thomas Frank system. Matthis de Ligit's 96th minute equaliser ruled out what had seemed to be a 91st minute winner from Richarlison as Spurs and United played out exciting draw. Thomas Franks substitution proved massive as Odobert contributed to Spurs 2 goals and he will be looking to start to continue his great form.

This Arsenal vs Tottenham Premier League clash carries massive title implications as the Gunners look to extend their lead while Spurs aim to close the gap.

Premier League Table: Arsenal's Commanding Lead

Arsenal lead the Premier League with a four-point advantage over Manchester City and the best goal difference in the division (+15). Tottenham sit in 5th place, eight points behind their North London rivals, highlighting the current power dynamic.

The North London Derby: Recent Form Analysis

Arsenal Form

W-W-W-W-D (4 consecutive wins)

• Points Per Game: 2.36 (26 points from 11 matches)
• Goals Scored: 20
• Goals Conceded: 5

Arsenal are commanding the league with clinical attacking play and rock-solid defensive organization under Mikel Arteta.

Tottenham Form

W-L-W-L-D (Recent slump)

• Points Per Game: 1.64 (18 points from 11 matches)
• Inconsistency Issues: Defensive fragility and tactical questions

Spurs have been inconsistent, with their new manager facing intense scrutiny over defensive structure and tactical approach.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Head-to-Head: Gunners' Derby Dominance

Arsenal has overwhelmingly dominated recent North London Derbies, particularly at the Emirates Stadium:

• Last 5 Premier League Meetings at Emirates:
  • Arsenal Wins: 4
  • Tottenham Wins: 1
• The home advantage has been decisive in this fixture

Arsenal players celebrating goal against Tottenham Hotspur during intense North London Derby at Emirates Stadium

Team News & Injury Updates

Arsenal

Arsenal Football club is dealing with several first-team players out, though some are nearing a return. The international break compounded the issues with new injuries to key defenders heading into the North London Derby. The key challenge is maintaining focus and intensity after the international break.

Gabriel Magalhaès (Groin)- Ruled Out

Riccardo Calafiori (Unspecified) - Uncertain

Noni Madueke (Knee) - Close to return

Viktor Gyökeres (Muscle) - Close to return

Gabriel Martinelli ( Knock/Groin) - fitness

Tottenham Hotspur

New manager Thomas Frank faces the pressure of his first North London derby following Ange Postecoglou's departure. He'll need a tactical masterclass to overcome Arsenal's home advantage and current form.

Spurs are a squad "crippled" by injuries, with concerns over as many as 13 first-team players ahead of the North London Derby against Arsenal. Their problems are concentrated in the midfield and forward lines, and were worsened by the most recent international break.

Dejan Kuluveski (Knee)  - Ruled out

Pape Matar Sarr (Knock) - Fitness to be assessed

James Maddison ( ACL) - Ruled out

Dominic Solanke ( Ankle) - Ruled Out

Randal Kolo Muani (Brocken Jaw)- Ruled Out

Radu Dragusin (Knee) - Fitness to be assessed

Tactical Breakdown: Arsenal vs Tottenham Strategy

Arsenal's Game Plan

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will deploy their trademark high press, dominating central midfield through Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Expect:

• Wide attacking threats from Bukayo Saka and Eze
• Targeting space behind Tottenham's attacking full-backs
• Exploiting Spurs' defensive transitions

Tottenham's Approach

Thomas Frank will likely implement a more structured 4-3-3 formation, focusing on:

• Disciplined defensive shape
• Quick counter-attacks through Odobert
• Limiting Arsenal's time and space in dangerous areas

Key Players to Watch

Arsenal:

• Bukayo Saka (Winger): Arsenal's most dangerous attacking outlet, expected to exploit Tottenham's left flank
• Declan Rice (Mid): Orchestrating attacks from midfield and key set-piece delivery.
• Viktor Gyokeres: Clinical finishing in the box

Tottenham:

• Richarlison (Forward): Big-game experience and counter-attacking threat
• Kudus: Creative spark from midfield
• Cristian Romero: Defensive leadership crucial against Arsenal's attack

Probable Starting Line-ups

Arsenal (4-3-3):

• GK: Raya
• DEF: Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori
• MID: Rice, Zubimendi, Merino
• FWD: Saka, Gyokeres, Eze

Tottenham (4-3-3):

• GK: Vicario
• DEF: Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie
• MID: Sarr, Bentacur, Palhinha
• FWD: Odobert, Richarlison, Kudus

Arsenal vs Tottenham Final Score Prediction

Given Arsenal's commanding form, home advantage at the Emirates Stadium, and Tottenham's recent struggles, the Gunners are heavy favorites for this North London Derby.

Expect an open, high-intensity match with goals, but Arsenal's superiority in all areas should prove decisive.

Final Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Betting Tips

• Arsenal to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - Yes
• Bukayo Saka Anytime Goalscorer
• Arsenal -1 Handicap

Why This North London Derby Matters

For Arsenal

A victory is vital for the title race, maintaining their lead over Manchester City while delivering a psychological blow to their biggest rivals. Three points would strengthen Arsenal's credentials as genuine Premier League champions.

For Tottenham Hotspur

A positive result would immediately validate the managerial change and keep Spurs firmly in the Champions League qualification race. More importantly, stopping Arsenal's momentum could reignite their own season.

The Emirates Stadium will be electric as these fierce North London rivals battle for supremacy.

Read More:Origins of the North London Derby Explained  | Man City have been handed an early chance to test Arsenal's title race   | Gameweek 12 Prediction]

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