Tottenham Hotspur will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday when bitter rivals Arsenal come to town.
Spurs have played well for the most part in their first three games of the Premier League season, but only have four points to show for it.
Tottenham should have hammered Leicester in their season opener, but could only draw at the King Power Stadium.
Likewise, Spurs had more than enough to beat Newcastle last time out, only to leave St James’ Park without a point.
Now, Tottenham have a point to prove, and there is no better team to do that than the noisy neighbours.
It hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for Arsenal preparation-wise, and club legend Alan Smith has given a brutally honest verdict ahead of the match.
Alan Smith feels it’s a good time for Tottenham to face Arsenal
Smith, writing on Sky Sports News, believes this could be a good time for Tottenham to face Arsenal, due to the personnel crisis at the Emirates Stadium.
Although he stopped short of predicting the result, he acknowledged that it “might be a bit closer to call” than previous games.
“It might be a good time for Tottenham to play Arsenal,” said Smith.
“Arsenal could be without two of their star players so that is not bad news at all for Spurs, who have had a bit of an up and down start themselves.
“They’ll hope to have Dominic Solanke fit and if he can get firing to give Spurs that focal point then I think that can transform them.
“Arsenal have had the upper hand in the last few games but I think this one might be a bit closer to call.”
Tottenham v Arsenal team news
Tottenham are optimistic of having defender Micky van de Ven back after he missed the Newcastle loss before pulling out of Netherlands duty.
Likewise, Dominic Solanke could return after he missed Tottenham’s last two games, while Richarlison is not expected to be fit and Yves Bissouma is a doubt.
Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard is a serious doubt for Arsenal due to an ankle injury, while Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also sidelined.
New signing Riccardo Calafiori suffered a knock on Italy duty, while Gabriel Jesus has been dealing with a groin problem of late and Declan Rice is suspended.
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