2025/26 Premier League MW12 Arsenal vs. Tottenham Preview: Can the Spurs upset the Gunners? November 20, 2025 by Marc Jerbs
The North London Derby takes center stage on Sunday, November 23, 2025, as Arsenal welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium for a high-stakes Premier League showdown. The match kicks off at 4:30 PM GMT, offering fans worldwide another dramatic chapter in one of football's fiercest rivalries. With Arsenal aiming to extend their lead at the top and Tottenham seeking to close the gap, this fixture carries major implications for the 2025/26 season.
Match Overview
Arsenal hosts this derby at the 60,704-capacity Emirates Stadium, a venue that has traditionally been a fortress in these encounters. The Gunners enter the weekend as league leaders, while Tottenham, despite inconsistency, remain in the hunt for European places. Both clubs arrive with contrasting form and injury situations, adding more intrigue to an already iconic fixture.
Current Standings & Form
Arsenal
Arsenal sits atop the Premier League table with 26 points from 11 matches and the best goal difference in the league (+15 GD). Their season has been close to flawless, marked by fluid attacking combinations, tactical maturity under Mikel Arteta, and only one defeat so far. Their latest outing—a 2-2 draw with Sunderland—slightly halted momentum but did not overshadow their overall dominance.
Tottenham Hotspur
Under Thomas Frank, Spurs hold 18 points from 11 matches, placing them in 5th with a +9-goal difference. Their form has been erratic, highlighted by a late collapse in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United where a 96th-minute equalizer cost them two points. Spurs' more pragmatic style has faced criticism, but their away form remains elite, boasting the best away record in the league: 13 points from 15 available, scoring 12 goals while conceding just 3.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham Sports Bet Odds
The Gunners are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:
- The Gunners are favored by 1 point, with full-time result odds of 1.40.
- The Spurs are the underdogs by 1 point, with full-time result odds of 8.00.
- Draw has full-time result odds of 4.75.
- Total is set at 2.5 goals, with Under odds at 2.00 while Over odds at 1.80.
Team News & Injury Updates
Arsenal
Arsenal faces a handful of fitness concerns heading into the derby:
- Gabriel Magalhães (Groin): Ruled out
- Riccardo Calafiori: Doubtful
- Noni Madueke (Knee): Nearing return
- Viktor Gyökeres (Muscle): Nearing return
- Gabriel Martinelli: Fitness test pending
The defensive uncertainty may force Arteta to rotate or adjust his back-line structure.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham's injury list is far more concerning, with up to 13 players flagged:
- Dejan Kulusevski (Knee): Out
- James Maddison (ACL): Out
- Dominic Solanke (Ankle): Out
- Randal Kolo Muani (Jaw): Out
- Pape Matar Sarr: Fitness to be assessed
- Radu Dragusin: Fitness to be assessed
These absences significantly limit Spurs' attacking creativity and midfield control.
Tactical Breakdown
How Arsenal Will Approach the Derby
Under Arteta, Arsenal will look to impose their identity early:
- High press and ball dominance through Rice and Zubimendi
- Wide overloads using Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze
- Exploiting gaps behind Spurs' attacking full-backs
- Quick transitions in defense, targeting Spurs' shape resets
Arsenal's pressing triggers and structured buildup have been among the most efficient in the league.
How Tottenham Will Set Up
Thomas Frank is likely to deploy a disciplined 4-3-3, focusing on:
- A compact defensive block to deny central progression
- Counter-attacks led by Odobert, capitalizing on space behind Arsenal's advanced full-backs
- Midfield disruptors like Bentancur and Palhinha to break Arsenal's rhythm
- Targeted isolation plays to bring Richarlison into scoring zones
- Given their injuries, Spurs will need to be clinical and organized to stay competitive.
Key Players to Watch
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Arsenal's biggest attacking threat, set to challenge Spurs' left flank.
- Declan Rice (Arsenal): Controls tempo and excels on set-pieces.
- Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal): A potent finisher with excellent movement.
- Richarlison (Tottenham): The focal point of Spurs' counter-attacking threat.
- Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham): Their key creative outlet.
- Cristian Romero (Tottenham): Spurs' defensive leader in a crucial matchup.
Final Thought
With Arsenal pushing to tighten their advantage at the top and Spurs battling adversity yet still dangerous on their travels, this North London Derby is poised to deliver high-intensity football and pivotal moments. Whether Arsenal solidify their title credentials or Tottenham shock their rivals despite an injury-hit squad, the ripple effects of this contest will shape the Premier League narrative in the weeks to come.
2025/26 Premier League Table
| # | CLUB | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 8 | 2 | 1 | 26 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 7 | 1 | 3 | 22 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 6 | 2 | 3 | 20 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 |
| 5 | Tottenham Hotspur | 5 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 5 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
| 7 | Manchester United | 5 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
| 8 | Liverpool | 6 | 0 | 5 | 18 |
| 9 | Bournemouth | 5 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
| 10 | Crystal Palace | 4 | 5 | 2 | 17 |
| 11 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 4 | 4 | 3 | 16 |
| 12 | Brentford | 5 | 1 | 5 | 16 |
| 13 | Everton | 4 | 3 | 4 | 15 |
| 14 | Newcastle United | 3 | 3 | 5 | 12 |
| 15 | Fulham | 3 | 2 | 6 | 11 |
| 16 | Leeds United | 3 | 2 | 6 | 11 |
| 17 | Burnley | 3 | 1 | 7 | 10 |
| 18 | West Ham United | 3 | 1 | 7 | 10 |
| 19 | Nottingham Forest | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 0 | 2 | 9 | 2 |
