Tottenham and Arsenal collide in a massive north London derby on Sunday, as both teams need to make a statement early in the campaign.

Spurs have picked up four points from their first three games, as Ange Postecoglou’s side are struggling with their clinical edge and they cost them in a draw at Leicester and a defeat at Newcastle so far this season. Heung-min Son continues to be their main man but the likes of James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner really need to step up, while Dominic Solanke’s injury has hampered his start to life at Spurs. Influential center back Micky van de Ven is also battling to be fit, while Postecoglou will be hoping Spurs are ruthless and clinical and can make the most of Arsenal being banged up.

Arsenal have plenty of injuries and absentees to worry about ahead of this huge game, with captain Martin Odegaard suffering an ankle injury during the international break which is expected to keep him out of this game, their Champions League opener against Atalanta and most-likely their trip to Manchester City next Sunday (September 22) too. Declan Rice is missing through suspension and new signing Mikel Merino is out with a shoulder injury, while fellow new addition Riccardo Calafiori is also battling to be fit after picking up a knock during the international break. Arsenal have seven points on the board from nine to start the season but lost their focus in their wild draw against Brighton before the break. They have to keep their cool in the cauldron of a NLD this weekend.

Tottenham's Chance to Strike

If all four players who are battling with injury are fit, this is a massive opportunity for Tottenham. Solanke gives them a focal point up top and seems like a great fit for their system and we all know about the importance of Van de Ven as his pace at the back allows Spurs to play their ridiculously high defensive line. Bissouma alongside Sarr in midfield is perfect for the hustle and bustle of the north London derby and Postecoglou will be feeling like this is the perfect time for his side to make a statement early in the season as they aim to finish in the top four. Spurs have created so many chances during their opening three games but haven’t taken them as they slipped up against Leicester and Newcastle. They have to be clinical this Sunday against a usually stingy Arsenal.

Arsenal's Injury Woes

With Rice definitely out and Odegaard seeming to be very likely out, the big selection dilemma is who will start in central midfield. It seems like Thomas Partey and Jorginho will get the nod, with perhaps Leandro Trossard dropping into a central No. 10 role behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli starting on the left wing. Or of course new signing Raheem Sterling could make his debut and become an instant hero. Those switches would provide the least disruption to the team. Jurrien Timber could also start alongside Partey and Jorginho could start higher with Trossard starting out on the left. Even with their injury issues, Arsenal still have a deep squad and it will be stretched to its limits over the next week with big trips to Tottenham, Atalanta and Man City coming up.

Can Tottenham Capitalize?

Tottenham can spring a surprise and win this derby against Arsenal by a scoreline of 3-2. Spurs have shown flashes of brilliance with their high-intensity, attacking style of play under Ange Postecoglou, especially this time last season and big matches like this tend to bring out the best in them.

Home advantage will play a crucial role with Spurs boasting an impressive recent home record, winning 10 of their last 13 Premier League matches on their own turf including beating Everton 4-0 in their only such fixture this season. The electric atmosphere of a derby match will only amplify this advantage, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful creating an intimidating environment for the visitors.

Despite a strong start to the campaign, Arsenal will feel the pressure having dropped two points in the title race after a home draw with Brighton just before the international break. Goalkeeper David Raya was player of the match in both their wins before that Seagulls fixture.

The Key to the Match: Heung-min Son's Form

Tottenham haven't won many recent matches against Arsenal, but Heung-Min Son has played his part up front for Spurs. The South Korea international has racked up 10 goal contributions in his last 10 meetings against Arsenal across all competitions, scoring or assisting a goal in seven of those matches.

He's also in good form, having already picked up a brace against Everton this season and racking up a goal and two assists against Oman in World Cup qualifying over the international break. Solanke’s ability to hold up the ball and link play will bring the best out of Son who netted twice in the only game at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium thus far this season. The South Korean also has a strong record against Arsenal with 8 goals in 20 appearances.

His pace and clinical finishing could prove decisive, especially if he can find space behind Arsenal's high defensive line. This was proven last season when Son got on the scoresheet in both fixtures.

A High-Scoring Affair?

North London derbies are historically high-scoring and that is taken to continue given both teams' attacking philosophies. Postecoglou's Tottenham have shown a tendency to start games strongly, while Arsenal often look to assert dominance early on. This could lead to an open, end-to-end first half with multiple scoring opportunities.

With the added motivation of avenging last season's home defeat, Spurs will be eager to strike early and often. Arsenal's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly without Rice shielding the backline, could be exposed by Tottenham's quick transitions and fluid attacking movement.

For their part the Gunners have scored multiple times in six of the last seven league meetings between the rivals. As we saw here last season with Arsenal scoring three times in the opening 45 minutes the notorious Tottenham high line could play into the visitors hands.

The Verdict

This game has all the ingredients for an exciting and unpredictable encounter. Arsenal's injury crisis and midfield weakness create a significant opportunity for Tottenham, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season. With Son in form and the home advantage, Spurs could pull off a shock win. However, Arsenal remain a formidable force, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them find a way to grind out a result, even without their key midfielders. The potential for a high-scoring game makes this a must-watch for any Premier League fan.

The Last Word: A Derby Full of Storylines

The North London derby is a fixture that always delivers drama, and this one is no exception. With key players injured, a midfield battle brewing, and a chance for Tottenham to strike, this game has all the ingredients for a classic encounter. Will Spurs take advantage of Arsenal's injury woes? Or will the Gunners find a way to grind out a result? Only time will tell.