Sunday’s North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal is incredibly delicately poised, and perhaps the pressure is on the hosts.
Heading back to last season, the onus to win was mostly on Arsenal, given they were attempting to win the Premier League title.
However, given that Mikel Arteta is likely to be missing two crucial players in the centre of his midfield, it almost now feels as if Tottenham have to win.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have endured an indifferent start taking four points from three games.
Spurs were good against both Leicester City and Newcastle United for long periods, but failed to win either away trip.
And Postecoglou will be hoping for a similar performance in N17 to the one against Everton at the end of August, when Tottenham won 4-0.
Harry Redknapp says the pressure is all on Tottenham vs Arsenal
Speaking via The Sun ahead of the North London Derby, Harry Redknapp, who certainly knows one or two things about this fixture, shares his honest thoughts on how it may go.
Redknapp recognised the players who Arsenal were missing, and shared his view that Spurs were now the side burgeoned with expectation.
He said: “Declan Rice is banned, Mikel Merino injured and now no Martin Odegaard for three weeks with a damaged ankle either.
“His entire engine room on the sidelines against their biggest rivals… what a chance this is for Tottenham. I’m sure they’re rubbing their hands.
“There aren’t many clubs who can better their midfield of James Maddison, Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr.
“But then again, Arteta has got so much depth to his squad these days that Jorginho isn’t a bad player to bring in!
“So for all those missing names, I still can’t see Arsenal losing.
“Maybe they will have to settle for a point but certainly nothing worse than that.
“Which wouldn’t be great news for Ange Postecoglou, because if either of these managers is going to be under pressure this year, it’s him.
“He got off to a flyer last season but there is no margin for error now — it’s got to be the top four, or at least deliver a trophy.”
Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke both fit to face Arsenal
Of course, if Arsenal may ultimately fall down because of the players they were missing against Spurs, the hosts have enjoyed much better news heading into Sunday’s clash.
Micky van de Ven is fit for Tottenham and has been training throughout the international break.
And it also seems as if Dominic Solanke will be ready too judging by Postecoglou’s words at his press conference.
Although, with Arsenal missing Rice and Odegaard, Spurs may also be without Yves Bissouma in the heart of their midfield, who will seemingly undergo a late check.
A crucial game for both sides, and neither will be heading into the 2pm kick off hoping for a draw, regardless of the scenario.
