Stage set for North London derby
The first North London derby of the season arrives at a crucial time for both Arsenal and Tottenham when they meet at the Emirates Stadium at 5.30pm today.
Arsenal have just eased an early-season crisis and Tottenham have problems after two straight defeats in the Premier League.
Spurs made a flying start to the campaign but successive 3-0 losses against Crystal Palace and Chelsea have left new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo facing questions.
Following 1-0 wins over Norwich and Burnley, Arsenal further eased the scrutiny on Mikel Arteta by beating AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night and they go into the game at Emirates Stadium with a bit of momentum.
Arsenal manager Arteta has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from. Aaron Ramsdale is hoping to keep his place in goal after coming in for Bernd Leno and keeping two clean sheets against Norwich and Burnley.
For Spurs, Japhet Tanganga is back from suspension after missing the Chelsea defeat following his red card against Crystal Palace, and Lucas Moura is back in contention.
Moura was substituted during last week’s Europa Conference League match at Rennes and then subsequently missed last Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat against Chelsea. Steven Bergwijn and Ryan Sessegnon remain sidelined. The stakes are high for two managers who know the pressure on them will ramp up if things do not go their way. Neither can afford a defeat. – standard.co.uk
Other EPL fixtures
Today (Sun): Southampton v Wolves (3pm); Arsenal v Spurs (5.30pm). Tomorrow (Mon): Crystal Palace v Brighton (9pm)