Former Arsenal and Tottenham defender William Gallas says the Gunners would get a “massive boost” if they secure victory against their biggest rivals this weekend.
Speaking to Prime Casino, Gallas was asked whether this a “must-win” fixture in terms of the title race and he replied:
“Listen, if you want to be a champion, every game is important. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing against Ipswich at home, or you’re playing against Tottenham away in the North London derby.”
“To have this game so early in the season, that adds a bit more spice to it. It’s a really important game for both clubs, not because it’s the derby, that matters, but more because both of them need to win. Three points here, against your local rivals, that is going to provide a massive boost to the winner.
From an Arsenal perspective, they won’t want to be further away from Liverpool and Manchester City this early in the season. They want to stay within touching distance, especially when Arsenal’s next game is a trip to Manchester. It’s a long season. The best clubs make winning a habit. Arsenal don’t want to be losing ground in the title race after four games.”
Gallas expects Arsenal to share the points with Spurs
Asked who will win the game on Sunday afternoon, Gallas said that he can’t see Mikel Arteta’s side taking home three points from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“I think it will be a draw. I don’t think Arsenal look as strong as they did last season. If the team had beaten Brighton with ten men, I would have had more confidence in them going here and winning.”
That result will be seen as a disappointment by most Gunners supporters, although the injury sustained by Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice’s suspension means a draw may be acceptable due to the fact they will be fielding a weakened team away to their fiercest rivals.
What’s the latest team news heading into the North London derby?
Arteta has effectively confirmed that Odegaard will miss the match due to an ankle problem. It is still not known how long the Norwegian will be sidelined for.
Riccardo Calafiori remains a doubt after sustaining a knock playing for Italy against France last week. Most feel that the defender will, at least, make the bench. Gabriel Jesus is training and will be in the matchday squad.