Both Arsenal and Spurs remain unbeaten after five games of the new Premier League season, but this will be the stiffest test for both sides (9am ET; 2pm BST Sunday). The North London Derby is always a hard fought and feisty affair and it is one where the form book isn’t always an indicator. Will either side emerge with all three points or will a draw see Arsenal and Spurs maintain those unbeaten records? This AFC vs THFC preview, with betting predictions and picks, aims to answer that.
Home advantage helps Arsenal go into this game as clear favourites and many USA sports betting outlets are quoting 7/10 on the Gunners to win. The draw is next at best industry odds of 17/5, while victory for Spurs is quoted at a top price of 7/2. Both teams have picked up 13 points from their opening five games, via four wins and a draw. Spurs are ahead of Arsenal in the table based on goal difference.
While Tottenham and Arsenal have both played and beaten ailing Manchester United in their opening games, other matches have been against lower-ranked teams. This will be a big challenge for both clubs, and Sunday will be a true test of their early-season promise.
There’s no European football for Spurs this season, but Arsenal were in action on Wednesday night. Mikel Arteta’s men overcame PSV Eindhoven with a comfortable final scoreline of 4-0. While they have had less of a chance to rest, that victory may give the Gunners extra confidence and momentum.
Without Harry Kane, Tottenham’s squad have had to step up and take scoring responsibility. Goals have been shared around the Spurs team and they may offer more of a collective attacking threat this season. Despite those increased options, Arsenal players dominate the first goalscorer betting. There are three co-favorites in places with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka all available at 11/2 to find the net first. Both Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard were on target in the Gunners’ 4-0 win in midweek and each player is quoted at 13/2 to open the scoring.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min is also listed at 13/2, while his strike partner Richarlison is out at 9/1. In terms of some value behind the main strikers, Spurs’ James Maddison could be a player to watch. He has started the campaign in great form, with two goals and two assists that earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award. Maddison is on offer at best odds of 12/1 for the first goal. Away from player betting, Both Teams to Score is on offer for this match at best industry odds of 4/7. If you prefer to take the ‘no’ option on BTTS, this is quoted at a top price of 6/4.
Next up is Total Goals where a stake Over the 2.5 line will currently be met at best odds of just 8/15. If you want to push that up a notch, Over 3.5 goals is quoted at a top price of 13/10. Those who think Sunday’s game will be a low scorer can get a best of 31/20 to go Below the 2.5 goal line.
This preview will finish with some Correct Score suggestions for a game where the bookies are expecting a comfortable home win. With that in mind, Arsenal 3 Spurs 1 could be a popular choice at best odds of 12/1. A 2-1 away victory can be claimed at a top price of 14/1, while the 1-1 draw is on offer at a best of 8/1.
Our Preview’s AFC vs THFC Betting Predictions and Picks Verdict
With the arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have dispensed with the dire, defensive play of previous managers. Their new attacking style will bring goals, but it could leave them open at the back against the better sides in the Premier League. Arsenal should also be tougher to break down than other teams that Spurs have faced so far this season, and this could be a disappointing afternoon for the away side.
The Gunners may have edged past weaker opposition including Everton, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, but they appear to be gaining momentum and look to be set for another title challenge. While the manager has some injury concerns, the arrival of Declan Rice and the return to fitness of Gabriel Jesus makes Arsenal stronger.
We could take Arsenal to win to Nil, but this preview will opt instead to take both teams not to score. This will cover us in case either side fails to find the net. Bukayo Saka to score in 90 minutes is our second pick. The England international opened the scoring against PSV in midweek and now has three goals in seven games already this season. So these are the betting predictions and picks for this EPL matchup preview:
- Both Teams to Score: Bet ‘No’ at +140 with Bovada. It is +135 with BetOnline and EveryGame.
- Bukayo Saka to Score at Any Time in 90 Minutes at best odds of +185 with Bovada.
Matt Harris is a golf and soccer expert for USA Betting. His other area of specialist knowledge is cricket. He is well known in sports journalism and contributes articles to a plethora of big-name websites and media outlets. Titles that he writes or has written for include: Betfair, BetVictor, Unibet & Just Bookies.