This derby comes at a very different moment for the two sides. Arsenal arrive as the better team and clear favourites, but also under real pressure because of the title race. They simply can’t afford to drop points, and that often changes how they play — more control, less risk, and sometimes slower tempo than usual.
Tottenham are in the opposite situation. The season has been rough, expectations are lower, and a new coach usually gives players a short emotional boost. Spurs probably won’t try to dominate possession. The plan should be compact defending, physical duels and quick attacks once they win the ball, turning the game into a fight rather than a technical contest.
Because of that the match is unlikely to be open. Arsenal should see more of the ball and create the better chances, but Tottenham’s intensity can keep it tight. It feels like a game that will be decided by one or two moments — a set piece, a mistake, or a bit of individual quality.
The general expectation is still an Arsenal win. They’re more stable and have more attacking options, while Spurs struggle to control games for long periods. But in a derby atmosphere it probably won’t be comfortable — a narrow victory for Arsenal looks the most realistic outcome.