Football betting: Tottenham and Arsenal title challenges on the line in nervy north London derby
Since 1995, Tottenham have finished above every single club in the Premier League in one season or another – except Arsenal.
Sat three points above their old rivals ahead of Saturday's north London derby with only 10 games left, they will fancy their chances of altering that statistic.
In doing so they may even scratch an older itch, if they can combine it with winning their first top-flight title for 55 years.
Spurs lost 1-0 to West Ham on Wednesday night as the Gunners were also losing to Swansea, and both teams now trail Leicester in the title betting.
But with only six points separating the three sides, it’s difficult to remember a north London derby that has had more riding on it.
Arsenal’s defeats to Swansea and Manchester United followed a reverse to Barcelona in the Champions League, and beating their neighbours may be the only way to keep the Gunners’ title hopes alive.
If not, and should the trophy end up at White Hart Lane instead, the club’s board may face further pressure to call time on Arsene Wenger’s 20 years at the helm.
The game between these two at the Emirates in November finished 1-1, and I think a draw is the more likely result this time around too.
With so much at stake neither will want to risk a loss that could kybosh their title chances.
Betway offer odds of 12/5 for the draw, which is worth a punt.
The reverse fixture was a tetchy affair and I think we’ll see more of the same tomorrow lunchtime.
Despite Mesut Ozil’s 18 assists this season, the goals have dried up for Arsenal, with Olivier Giroud – no goals in his last 10 – and Alexis Sanchez – no league goals since October – both enduring rough patches.
Spurs have only conceded 10 times at home this term, and the Gunners will do well to breach Mauricio Pochettino’s miserly defence.
I would advise spread bettors to sell total goals at 2.65 with Sporting Index.
Pointers
Draw 12/5 (Betway)
Sell total goals 2.65 (Sporting Index)