Arsenal v Tottenham: Chris Sutton shares ‘shock’ prediction Spurs fans will love
Chris Sutton has made a rather surprising claim ahead of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Tottenham on Wednesday.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will travel to the Emirates on 15 January, with the Spurs boss expected to make four changes for the North London derby.
Postecoglou has been handed an injury boost ahead of the clash, which will no doubt have supporters feeling a bit more optimistic, although Jamie Carragher still isn’t confident about the visitors’ chances should the match go ahead.
And BBC Sport pundit Sutton agrees with the ex-Liverpool defender and has predicted Spurs to lose 2-1 at the Emirates. However, he has also suggested that Postecoglou’s side are more likely than Arsenal to win a trophy this season, a prediction which might have caught a few people by surprise.
Chris Sutton makes surprise prediction ahead of Tottenham v Arsenal
In his weekly predictions via BBC Sport (13 January), Sutton wrote, “Arsenal have had a bad week and right now it looks like Tottenham have a better chance of winning a trophy this season than they do.
“People are quite rightly pointing out that the Gunners are missing chances and, with Bukayo Saka out injured, they are just lacking that spark in attack. Having said all that, maybe they will find it again here because I think the way Spurs play will suit Arsenal.
“By that, I mean Mikel Arteta’s side can soak up pressure and counter-attack, and even without Saka or a recognised centre-forward, I think they will get chances in this game. It is whether they take them this time. I am backing them to stick a couple away.
“Of course, this derby is really important to Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham in their situation, but the expansive way they play means it is a tall order to expect an unfamiliar defence and new goalkeeper to step up again.
“I do see Spurs scoring, but they give up a lot of chances. Arsenal have to win this game to hang on in the title race, and I think they will.”
Tottenham to win a trophy before Arsenal?
Arsenal are out of the FA Cup and 2-0 down heading into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle United at St James’ Park (5 February).
Meanwhile, Spurs are still in the FA Cup and lead 1-0 heading into their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash, against Liverpool at Anfield (6 February).
Therefore, on paper, it makes sense why Spurs would be considered more likely to win a trophy, as they are better positioned in the cups. However, considering Postecoglou’s side are sat 12th in the Premier League, while Arsenal remain in the title race, a lot of people might be surprised by this prediction.
Add in the fact that Spurs haven’t won a trophy since 2008, and it is clear to see why fans would be surprised. However, if Postecoglou’s side were to lift a trophy this year during what has been a very inconsistent campaign, while Aretata’s side were to miss out despite continually finishing above Spurs in recent years, it is fair to say that the Spurs supporters would never let their rivals hear the end of it.
In other Tottenham news, one player looks to be finished at the club after what Postecoglou said.
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