Tottenham vs Arsenal 2019 EPL Odds, Preview & Pick

Many observers did not expect Arsenal to sit two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur after three matches of the 2019-20 English Premier League campaign, but that is where we are. Arsenal has a 2-0-1 record after losing last week at Liverpool, 3-1, while Tottenham sits at 1-1-1 and took an even more distressing setback in Week 3, losing at home to Newcastle United, 1-0. The Champions League winners have gotten off to a slow start in the EPL marathon, while the Gunners, along with Leicester City, are surprising observers with their early stint near the top of the table. Now Tottenham visits Arsenal hoping to make up some ground in the standings at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Don’t miss our sports betting preview of this entertaining EPL tilt.

Tottenham vs Arsenal 2019 EPL Odds, Preview & Pick

TEAM NEWS:

🔹 @ericdier (hip): Being assessed after complaining of irritation in right hip. 🔹 @TanguyNdombele (thigh): Commenced on-field rehab and remains unavailable. 🔹 @KWPeters (hamstring strain): Undergoing on-field rehab, unavailable. #THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/tPyo4nfSZ9 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 30, 2019

When: Sunday, September 1, 2019, 11:30am ET Where: Emirates Stadium, London TV: NBC Radio: None Live Stream: ESPN+ Soccer Odds: Arsenal +137 / Tottenham +180 / Draw +250 

Why should you bet on Tottenham?

Tottenham’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United was a real head-scratcher for the fans, as the Spurs looked timid for much of the match. They controlled the ball for 81 percent of the match but could only put two shots on target, fewer than the Magpies managed despite having the ball for less than a fifth of the match. The issues for Tottenham appear to lie in the midfield, as the defense there is weak right now and the attacking does not have much in the way of creativity. Arsenal has the sort of attack that can move in a hurry and slice through tentative midfields. In a rivalry match such as this one, both teams will bring all of their energy to the match, and the crowd will be raucous. If you like Tottenham, you see them returning to their Champions League form and delivering on the attack, while playing with more resolve in the midfield so that they do not wear out their back line. Winning at Arsenal is a tough order, but this is a team that won the championship of one of the most difficult tournaments in all of soccer.

Why should you put your money on Arsenal?

Arsenal did not expect to win at Liverpool, but that 3-1 result was particularly disappointing. Mohammed Salah was able to run wild for the Reds, as such defenders as David Luiz failed to manage their area on the back line, and as a result Liverpool picked up the easy win. However, Arsenal still has six points out of their first two matches, good for third place in the overall standings. They tend to play very well at home, and that form should help them with the struggling Spurs coming to town. These two teams met three times last season, with each team winning once and the teams drawing once as well. In English Premier League play, Arsenal won their home fixture and picked up a draw in the away fixture. Tottenham did knock off Arsenal in the EPL Cup, but that did not play a role in the EPL standings. If you like Arsenal, you see their strong showing in the off-season continuing — and Tottenham’s surprising struggles in the wake of their Champions League win continuing. Emirates Stadium is a tough place to come in and win, which is why Arsenal is a slight favorite here.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I expect this match to be close because of the nature of the rivalry. With that said, Arsenal had a better offseason in terms of play in the International Champions Cup and in the first three weeks of EPL competition. I see Arsenal and Tottenham playing it close through the first half and much of the second before Arsenal gets that game winner. I predict a final score of Arsenal 2, Tottenham 1.