Arsenal face off with Tottenham on Sunday in the first North London Derby of the season.
Both clubs sit on 13 points after five games, with Tottenham having the better goal difference thanks to their superior attack.
The Lilywhites look a side reborn this term and it will be perhaps the toughest Tottenham side Arsenal have faced in years.
Speaking ahead of the game Paul Merson has claimed Arsenal will ‘absolutely slaughter’ Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby:
“I’m bullish, very bullish,” he said on Sky Sports. “I can’t see anything but an Arsenal win. I think they will absolutely slaughter them, I do. Absolutely rip them to shreds.
“I agree with Daws [Michael Dawson], I don’t think they will change the way they play … Man United had 14 shots against them in the first half, give Arsenal 14 shots tomorrow and we will see what happens. It’s end to end, it’s good football, I like the way they play, I like the manager. It’s gung-ho football. But you don’t play gung-ho football against better players than you.
“All over the pitch they are better players. Not many Spurs players get into this team, and if you open this game up tomorrow then Arsenal will destroy Tottenham. And I mean destroy them.
“If [Spurs] play a counter-attacking way, then it’s a different football match but I don’t think the manager has it in him to say ‘let’s counter attack’. He is full of pride. There is no point doing what you have done over the years, get a top job – which it is a Spurs – and get to the biggest game and change it.”
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions, team news and odds
