Every north London derby has something riding on it, even if it’s only local bragging rights. But Thursday night’s clash at White Hart Lane has Champions League qualification riding on it.
There have been bigger carrots dangled ahead of Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal fixtures before, with the Gunners even winning the Premier League title on the back of a 2-2 draw away to Spurs back in 2004, but the two teams are fighting for one prize this time around as the season draws towards its close.
But how will the race for fourth be decided? Here are the permutations
If Arsenal win, they are guaranteed fourth
Following Spurs’ 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday, Antonio Conte’s side fell four points adrift of their local rivals with three games to play. That means defeat on home soil on Thursday would hand Arsenal a first Champions League spot in six seasons with two matches to spare.
Betfred have Arsenal priced at 12/5 to get the job done on Thursday.
If it’s a draw, Arsenal need a maximum of one more win
A total of 51 north London derbies have been drawn in the 190-game history of the fixture, and another share of the spoils would suit Arsenal far more than Spurs. Mikel Arteta’s men would leave enemy territory with their four-point advantage still intact and two chances to gain the single win that would put them out of Tottenham’s reach.
The draw on the night is 12/5 with Betfred, while the same platform is offering 1/3 for Arsenal to wrap up the fourth Champions League place before the season is out.
If Spurs win, the battle is back on
A home win would really throw the cat among the pigeons. Spurs would then be just one point behind their rivals with two games still to play, and while the Lilywhites host struggling Burnley and relegated Norwich City in their remaining matches, Arsenal still have to travel to Newcastle United and then entertain a newly resurgent Everton in their final fixture.
You can get decent odds on Spurs making the top four at Arsenal’s expense, with Betfred offering 9/4, while they are 13/10 to come out on top on Thursday.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
