The second North London derby could see Tottenham Hotspur close the gap and stay in touch with the Premier League’s top four when they take on Arsenal at The Emirates.
Tottenham Looking for All Three Points in North London Derby
Harry Kane Expected to Start
Mikel Arteta has a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the second North London derby of the season.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho and Spurs have been sweating on the fitness of Harry Kane after the striker picked up a knock to his right knee during the Europa League round of 16 first leg victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
Following that game, though, Mourinho was asked if he expected Kane to be fit for the game, telling TalkSport: “I hope so, I believe so.”
Kane Chasing More Goals
Kane is the top scorer in North London derby games with 11 to his name and he will be looking to add that against Spurs’ fiercest rivals.
Kane is on a goalscoring run of seven in his last eight matches in all competitions for Tottenham and he will be looking forward to facing a defence that, at times, can be full of needless errors. Take Granit Xhaka‘s recent clanger in the draw to Burnley, for example.
Bragging Rights – Who Needs North London Derby Win Most?
Every clubs fans will tell you that there is no bigger game than a derby against your nearest rivals and it is no different when it comes to the North London Derby, so the fans will tell you it still means everything to them.
On the pitch, both teams are in different positions – Spurs are still in the hunt for a Champions League place whilst Arsenal, languishing in tenth place, are focusing on the Europa League as their most realistic route into that competition for next season. Mourinho already has two Europa League trophies under his belt and he will also be looking at adding a third to his CV this season.
Momentum wise, the win is more essential for Tottenham as a loss and other results not going their way would make the top four start to slip away from their grasp. For Arsenal, the game is about not falling further down the table as they look destined for mid-table obscurity.
Should Arsenal not qualify for Europe at the end of this season, Arteta would have the rather unwanted title of being the first manager in 25 years to miss out on European competition.
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