Monday, December 23, 2024

Sutton’s predictions: Tottenham v Arsenal

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[BBC]

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week four, he takes on Femi Koleoso and Ife Ogunjobi from jazz band Ezra Collective, the 2023 Mercury Music Prize winners.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-2

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has just signed a new contract, so maybe his mind has been on that new deal and how he can spend it on furnishing his house rather than the north London derby.

Being serious, though, Rice and Odegaard are such big losses that I can’t help but feel it will have an impact. Arsenal have got quality players like Jorginho and Thomas Partey to come into their midfield, but they are missing two of their best players.

The Gunners will get chances in this game and I expect them to score – they won this fixture 3-2 last season and drew 2-2 at the Emirates, and I am expecting more of the same.

This time, however, I am going to back Spurs. I know everyone who is reading this will probably go for a draw but I am not going to do that. Instead, I am going to stick my long neck out and say ‘Angeball’ will come out on top.

Spurs have dominated games and created chances this season, but they just need someone to stick the ball in the back of the net and I have a feeling that will happen for them here. If I am right, then we may as well hand the title to Manchester City.

Koleoso’s prediction: 0-3

I am going for an Arsenal win – if Ange plays with a high line again then I am pretty confident we will win. Spurs also don’t defend set-pieces very well, and we are good at them.

Ogunjobi prediction: 1-1

As a neutral, I am going for a draw. I am interested to see how Arsenal get on in midfield without Rice and Odegaard.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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