With Tottenham having faced 20 fewer shots than any other Premier League side this season—along with 10 fewer efforts on target—and conceding only five goals across their 11 matches, breaking down Arsenal’s defence will be a formidable challenge. The Gunners have been impressively solid throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Given that, Thomas Frank may opt for a conservative, resilient setup designed to absorb pressure and strike on the counter. Spurs have already shown they can execute this approach effectively. In the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, their back-five system allowed them to sit deep, frustrate superior opposition, and nearly snatch a victory.

Injuries Could Shape the Contest

Tottenham may also be hoping the derby arrives slightly too soon for Arsenal’s growing injury list. Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are all unavailable, while late fitness tests will decide whether Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyökeres feature.

Gabriel’s absence is likely the most damaging. The Brazilian hadn’t missed a single minute before his injury, and Arsenal’s win rate with him in the starting lineup stands at 61.5%—dropping to 40% without him. He has also become a major aerial threat, contributing to Arsenal’s dominance from set pieces. Half of their league goals this season (10, excluding penalties) have come from dead-ball situations, the most in the division.

Tottenham aren’t far behind, sitting third in set-piece goals with six. More quietly, they have already scored 19 league goals, with only Arsenal (20), Chelsea (21) and Manchester City (23) finding the net more often.

Arsenal vs Tottenham – Live Win Probability

Opta by Stats Perform

Frank faces his own selection concerns, but should several currently sidelined players return, the outlook of this matchup could change significantly.

Randal Kolo Muani, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are confirmed absentees. However, Cristian Romero, Pape Matar Sarr, Dominic Solanke, Ben Davies, Radu Drăgușin, Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray, Kota Takai, Lucas Bergvall and Mo Kudus are all being evaluated and could feature.

Kudus may be the most substantial potential loss. He has created more chances than any Spurs player in league action this season (15) and his 17 shots rank second in the squad only to Richarlison’s 19.