While they may not have won a trophy of any significance, Tottenham Hotspur fans will take comfort in the fact that their team has finished above their old rivals Arsenal in each of the last seven seasons. It may be a hollow victory, but it shows that the North London Derby has been more competitive in that period than it was at the beginning of the 2000s.
That may not be the case this time. Arsenal have risen to the top of the Premier League while losing just one EPL game out of their first 17. Spurs come into this fixture in fifth place with an 11-point gap behind their closest rivals.
The teams meet at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in this 4.30pm GMT (11.30am ET) Sunday kick-off, so how do the USA bookmakers see it? Read on for our THFC vs AFC predictions, betting picks and full matchup preview.
There are odds against figures on all three possible outcomes, but Arsenal will go into this game as the clear favorites. The best industry odds on the away win stand at 6/5 while victory for Spurs is the next option at 11/5. The draw completes the match betting and is slightly further back at 13/5.
When the sides met at the Emirates back in October, the Gunners cruised to a 3-1 win. It was, in truth, a closer game in the first half, but the sending off of Spurs’ right back Emerson helped Arsenal to dominate the second period.
As for the current form guide, the gap is slightly wider with Arsenal securing 16 points in their last six games. It is the best record of any Premier League side in that period while Spurs are down in eighth with ten points accumulated in the last half dozen.
Tottenham’s home advantage might just even things up and there will be some interest in the draw, but let us now switch and look at the players who can decide the game.
While Spurs have returned mixed results since the teams returned from their World Cup break, Harry Kane has continued to stand out. The England captain has scored four goals in four games since Boxing Day and he is the favorite to open the scoring at best odds of 5/1. The Arsenal pair of Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli are both listed at 15/2 in places while Bukayo Saka is marginally further back at 8/1.
In terms of some longer options from behind the main strikers, Spurs’ Pierre-Emile Hojberg has had an interesting season. He has scored five goals in 24 games this term, matching his returns for the previous two campaigns, and the Dane is quoted at 33/1.
For Arsenal, Emile Smith Rowe is easing back into action following injury. He is much shorter than Hojberg at a best of 9/1, but that could still be generous.
Moving on to team markets now and Both Teams to Score is on offer for Sunday’s game at 4/6 in most places. Those that prefer to take the ‘no’ option on BTTS can currently claim best industry odds of 11/8.
Next this preview switches to the Total Combined Goals betting where a modest punt on Over 2.5 goals is currently being met at 4/5 as a top price. We can move that up to Over 3.5 goals to claim 2/1 or, we can look for some lower options. Those who feel we are in for a dour matchup in north London could opt for Under 2.5 goals which is on offer at 21/20.
This preview will finish with some Correct score options. The match result betting is hinting at a narrow Arsenal victory and a 2-1 away win could be the way to go at best industry odds of 9/1. For Tottenham to win by the same scoreline, the price increases to 11/1, while the 1-1 draw is quoted at 13/2.
Our Preview’s THFC vs AFC Predictions & Betting Picks Verdict
While Arsenal are the stronger of the two teams right now, Spurs might actually hold the key to this game. So often across the season, Antonio Conte’s men seem toothless and unable to switch on. They create very little and their opponents take full advantage.
We saw this on New Year’s Day with the team showing little attacking intent as they went down 2-0 at home to Aston Villa. Three days later, they finally woke up in the second half of their game at Selhurst Park, eventually putting four past Crystal Palace.
If Spurs are at their best, there is a good chance of a point at the very least. Arsenal, however, have only slipped up once in the league all season. A loss to Manchester United is the only blemish for this impressive side who may well strengthen further in the January transfer window.
In short, Tottenham have to be on top of their game and the Gunners need to have an off day for this market to be upset. This preview therefore make an Arsenal win our first pick. Spurs have kept two clean sheets in their last two matches, but they can be vulnerable at the back and for the predictions, we will finish off with over 3.5 goals. So a high-scoring Arsenal win looks to be the way to go in this Super Sunday game. These are the tips for this EPL game preview:
- Arsenal to win on the moneyline at +120 (6/5) with BetOnline.
- Over 3.5 goals at best odds of +200 (2/1) with BetOnline.
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.