Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has no understanding of Arsenal and their injury concerns as he prepares his weakened squad for tomorrow night’s north London derby.
Spurs have struggled for bodies for most of the season and will again be without three-quarters of their front four with Cristiano Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Odogie out, along with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Arsenal also have a few worries, but Postecoglou isn’t worried about other people’s problems.
He said: “I don’t think they have any sympathy for us. I have empathy, not compassion.
“We have been in this position for some time. There is some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Team news from Ange ahead of tomorrow’s north London derby 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/a7uepXNHC1
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 14, 2025
Twelfth-placed Spurs have won just one of their last eight league games and Postecoglou would love to start the season with a win against their bitter rivals.
The Australian added: “I was big on it [the rivalry] from the first game and this year is as big as it has ever been, especially for us and our season.
“We have to start winning games in the league and there is no better place to start.
“With the current position we are in the league, regardless of the milestones, we have to start winning games and move up the table. Although it’s a big challenge for us tomorrow night, there’s an opportunity to do it.”
Arsenal are coming off the back of two disappointing cup results with last Tuesday’s EFL Cup failure against Newcastle followed by Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on penalties.
Coach Mikel Arteta hinted that the derby is just what his players need to get back on track.
He said: “It’s the best game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to people – to us and everyone involved.
“The atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to eat.”
Team news Arsenal vs Tottenham
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus suffered a suspected ACL tear at the weekend and is set for a long-term lay-off, along with Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka and Ben White.
Riccardo Calafiori is uncertain, but Jorginho and Jurrien Timber are expected to be fit.
There was rare good news for Postecoglou after he confirmed that Richarlison is back in contention and that the Brazilian forward is likely to start on the bench.
Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and Son Heung-min should return to the starting line-up after being left out of the FA Cup tie at Tamworth on Sunday.
Timo Werner is unavailable.
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Expected lineups of Arsenal against Tottenham:
Arsenal: Ray; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli
Tottenham: Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bissouma, Bergvall, Sarr; Kulusevski, Son, Solanke
How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham
The match is shown on TNT Sports 1, and the program starts at 18:30. It starts at 20:00.
