Harry Kane says that if Tottenham want to be a serious contender for the Premier League title then they have to win the big games away from home, starting with tomorrow’s North London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Spurs striker, who looks set to return after missing the recent England matches, said that away victories against the league’s top sides are key to Tottenham’s future success.
In an interview with Thierry Henry on Sky Sports, Kane said: “It’s important for us to start beating the big teams away. Not just Arsenal, but all of the top six. We’ve done very well at home against them in recent years, but if we want to be challenging for the title, these are the games we need to win away from home.
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“We’re going to try and win the game, we always do, but it will be tough. We need to go and play the way we play against them at home, and find a way to win.”
Mauricio Pochettino’s side go into the derby three places and four points clear of their rivals, and are favourites for many to win tomorrow. However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger doesn’t think the Gunners are the derby underdogs.
“Not at all,” he told Sky Sports. “I think Tottenham is a good side but we have the quality to win this game and that is what we want to show.”
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes Wenger should drop Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez and pick Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck instead.
He said: “If Arsenal are serious about winning these big games, I would go with Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck and leave Ozil out and Sanchez out. Are they two of our best players? Of course they are, but they don’t do enough in these big games.
“Welbeck isn’t as talented but what you’ve got to do against a back three is move them about to create chances, while Lacazette is our best finisher and sulky Sanchez doesn’t like playing out wide.”
North London derby team news
Arsenal’s French striker Olivier Giroud will miss the Emirates clash due to a minor injury, the BBC reports. With Giroud out, Lacazette could be set for a recall to the starting XI. Shkodran Mustafi and Welbeck could feature after returning to training.
For Spurs, Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks should feature despite missing the England friendly matches. Defender Toby Alderweireld is sidelined until at least after Christmas with a hamstring injury.
How to watch Arsenal vs. Spurs on TV
Kicking off tomorrow at 12.30pm at the Emirates Stadium, the North London derby will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Arsenal vs. Spurs betting odds
Best prices according to Oddschecker
- Arsenal to win 6/4
- Spurs to win 19/10
- Draw 27/10
- Harry Kane first goalscorer 7/2
- Alexandre Lacazette first goalscorer 9/2
Arsenal vs. Spurs predictions
Paul Merson, former Arsenal player and Sky Sports pundit, says: “I am going to go for the draw, but that’s only in the hope! If both teams turn up, you just see Tottenham winning. I think home advantage in a tight game, I like to go 1-1.”
Jonathan Pearce, BBC Match of the Day commentator, says: “I’ve seen big leads cancelled out in this historic fixture, last-gasp winners, furious losers. My only prediction? It’ll be unpredictable!”
Paul Ince, Daily Express, predicts a 2-2 draw: “I know everyone thinks this game is a foregone conclusion, and I can see why, but I’m holding out for a bit of action. It would be great to see a really fast-paced North London derby, and I do think we’re going to see both teams scoring.”
Football365: “There are few guarantees in life, but a score draw in Saturday’s early kick-off might well be one of them. This is not only the highest-scoring fixture [141 goals] in Premier League history, but also the one that has seen the most draws [21].”
The Sportsman: “2-1 Spurs. Tottenham have hit their stride fully and have been playing like one of the best sides in Europe since hitting their straps. Their attacking quality will pose the same problems for Arsenal as Manchester City did.”
Gus Poyet, former Spurs midfielder, BetStars: “Just because I think both teams will be desperate to get points in such a special game, it’s going to be very competitive and I think the final score will be 2-2.”
Michael Owen, former England striker, BetVictor: “Arsenal have won their last ten PL games at the Emirates but if there is to be a winner in the North London derby I expect it to be Spurs in what should be a terrific game of football.”
