Verdict: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
With north London bragging rights up for grabs in Hong Kong, Arsenal and Tottenham will meet on Thursday lunchtime.
Arsenal
Starting with Arsenal, eventually finishing the 2024/25 campaign without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles, Mikel Arteta’s camp will know that they have plenty of expectations on their shoulders this time around. Nevertheless, despite settling for a silver medal finish among England’s elite last season, the Gunners have enjoyed an impressive start to their summer preparations. Along with getting their pre-season four of Asia underway with a 1-0 win against Italian giants AC Milan, Arsenal also clinched a 3-2 victory against domestic rivals Newcastle last weekend. With their sights firmly set on securing a first Premier League crown since 2004, Arteta’s side will be looking to lay down another summer marker on Thursday lunchtime.
Arsenal Team News
Finally completing his long-awaited move to the Gunners this month, new recruit Victor Gyokeres looks set to make his Arsenal debut on Thursday lunchtime. Coming off the bench and finding the net against Newcastle last weekend, skipper Martin Odegaard should be handed a start here.
Travelling over to Asia this summer and already making a real impact, 15-year-old sensation Max Dowman should get some more minutes under his belt. Likewise, putting pen to paper on a new deal in north London this month, Ethan Nwaneri will feature.
Tottenham
As for Tottenham, while Spurs might have been crowned Europa League champions on May 21st following an iconic 1-0 victory against Manchester United, that result was enough to save Ange Postecoglou from the chop. With Thomas Frank officially appointed as the Australian’s permanent replacement last month, the former Brentford boss will be more than aware that he has a real job on his hands. Breaking a string of unwanted records last season as they limped to an infamous 17th-place finish, Tottenham are also seeking somewhat of a summer boost. Heading over to Asia with a 0-0 stalemate away at League One outfit Luton Town last weekend, Frank’s new squad should be bracing themselves for what will be a real challenge in Hong Kong.
Tottenham Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Destiny Udogie, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and Bryan Gil have all been left at home. However, completing a summer switch from bitter domestic rivals West Ham this month, Mohamed Kudus will feature in Hong Kong.
While England international Dominic Solanke might have missed out away at Luton last weekend with a minor knock, the former Bournemouth marksman has travelled to Asia. Making his move from Lens a permanent one this summer, Kevin Danso will get some more minutes under his belt.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Key Factors to Consider
- When Arsenal and Tottenham last met for a Premier League showdown back on January 15th, the Gunners collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- Arsenal have won their previous three meetings against their arch-rivals by an aggregate score of 6-3.
- In fact, the Gunners are unbeaten in their previous six meetings against Spurs (five wins, one draw).
- Tottenham remarkably collected just one-point from any of their final seven Premier League appearances last season.
- Three of the last four meetings between Arsenal and Tottenham have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Getting their summer preparations underway with consecutive victories, Arsenal will be looking to lay down another marker in Asia. Meeting their arch-rivals on Thursday lunchtime, the Gunners will certainly be excited by a dominant record against Spurs. Landing a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Tottenham to the Emirates for their most recent showdown on January 15th, they have won all of their previous three meetings by an aggregate score of 6-3. While the newly-crowned Europa League champions might be getting a new era underway this summer, Frank’s new squad look set for a real challenge in Hong Kong.
Verdict: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
