Tottenham vs Arsenal preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

• Both teams to score

• Over 2.5 goals

• Arsenal to win

• Arsenal over 4.5 corners

Igor Tudor could not have asked for a harder fixture to kick off his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur. The Croatian will experience the true definition of a baptism of fire this weekend as he begins the unenviable task of arresting Spurs' pitiful plight down the top-flight standings.

No Tottenham fan is under the illusion that their side is not in a relegation battle. They are the only team without a Premier League victory so far in 2026, taking just four points from 24 on offer.

There is cause for optimism, though. Tudor has won his first game in charge of each of his last five clubs - including a second spell at Hajduk Split. However, he inherits a Tottenham squad with the third-worst Premier League home record in the current campaign, with just two paltry wins.

Arsenal are also familiar with the number two as Mikel Arteta is once again staring down the barrel of another bottle job after his side catastrophically dropped two points to a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who could be relegated with the lowest-ever Premier League points total.

The 2-2 draw arguably flattered Arsenal more than it did Wolves, as Mikel Arteta's men inexplicably gifted possession back to the basement boys time and time again while trying and failing spectacularly to run down the Molineux clock.

Arsenal still remain in control of their title destiny. However, their increasingly tenuous advantage over Manchester City will be reduced to just two points if the Sky Blues win their game in hand ahead of April's Etihad blockbuster with the Gunners.

Arsenal’s North London derby dominance has been unquestioned over the past few years. They made light work of their rivals in a 4-1 Eberechi Eze-inspired Emirates embarrassment back in November.

Indeed, they are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games with Spurs, and have won their last three at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Wilson Odobert became the latest senior Spurs player to be ruled out (ACL against Newcastle). He joins James Maddison, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso and Lucas Bergvall in missing the north London derby.

Dominic Solanke has been struggling with an illness, which affected his throat, but is expected to start. Captain Cristian Romero serves the second of his four-match suspension after being sent-off in the loss to Manchester United, but Pedro Porro and Richarlison are pushing to be available for selection.

As for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka is fine despite limping off against Wolves, and Leandro Trossard has been passed fit despite being replaced in stoppage time.

Mikel Arteta has said he is hopeful of having captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz available for selection in what would be a huge double injury boost.

Mikel Merino remains sidelined after his foot surgery, while youngster Max Dowman is back in training after an ankle injury.

Tottenham: Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

All the frustration, the rage, the desolation that the Gunners felt in midweek - they must channel that energy into an utterly fascinating North London derby. Tottenham also have all the motivation they require to prevail; from harming Arsenal's title bid to staving off any increasing demotion fears in Tudor's inaugural game in charge.

However, the host's injury crisis and appalling home record is too difficult to ignore; hence, we still have faith in Arsenal to add a fresh lick of red paint to North London in this weekend's main event.

Correct score prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Arsenal