History and the bookies have Arsenal as favourites to twist the knife into Tottenham hearts in the Lilywhites’ Champions League bid for the second year running.
The Gunners smashed Newcastle at the Emirates 7-3 earlier this season – and have not been beaten at St James’ Park since way back in 2005. And, of course, any kind of win for Wenger’s team will do. Last year a very dodgy defence at West Brom gifted Arsenal third spot over Spurs on the final day of the season. With Magpies boss Alan Pardew already declaring his lack of interest in this fixture, the now safe black and whites are clearly on autopilot.
It’s been a long road back for Arsenal after Lennon and Bale punished them at White Hart Lane to widen the points gap to seven in the last North London derby. But, slip ups by Spurs and a relentless run of wins by the Gunners has put them in the box seat once again. Spurs fans will hope that their men can do their job at the Lane but they have dropped Premier League points at home by some of the lesser teams in this campaign already. If they do go ahead, all radios will be tuned in to how seriously Newcastle have taken their task at St James’. Let’s hope for some drama.
Predictions: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle, Tottenham 3-1 Sunderland
Odds: Both North London teams to beat both North east teams: 6/4