Spurs travel to the Emirates on Sunday for the always hotly-anticipated North London derby.
Indeed, Derbies often tend to defy the formbook, and Paul Merson insists that his former side are the favourites for this one.
“I think Arsenal are favourites against them this weekend. I really do. If both teams play to the best of their ability I think Arsenal win the game, he wrote in his Daily Star column.
“I think their passing and movement is better. Spurs rely too much on Harry Kane and Son, and lately Gareth Bale.”
It is slightly bizarre to question a team for a supposed overreliance on three different players, but you can still understand Merson’s confidence.
Spurs were convincing in their 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture but they last did the double over their arch-rivals in 1992/93 – the first-ever Premier League season (via BBC Sport).
And their one and only league victory at the Emirates came back in 2010.
The absence of what would have been a raucous atmosphere suits Spurs, but they will still have something of a psychological block to overcome.
Merson ridiculed by Spurs for North London derby claim
“Right so were Liverpool too reliant on Firmino Salah and Mane to score their goals? What type of logic is this”
“Ah yes spurs are too reliant on their attack to score goals”
“Shocking tactics: football team relies on their players to win games”
“Lol, how terrible it is of Spurs to “rely” on three world class forwards. Guess he doesn’t realise the chances of all 3 not performing are slim.”
“The same guy who said Kane wouldn’t score goals under Jose and Bale didn’t suit Jose’s style of play”
“The Merson kiss of death”
“If both teams play to their best, we win.”
“If both team play to the best spurs win this game. Kane Son and Bale at their best would rip this Arsenal defence to bits and would win the game on their own. Even Burnley caused them problems week so at their best it would be a long afternoon for Arsenal.”
“Rely too much on 3 world class players. Isn’t like we are relying on Auba and Lacazette is it”
“The lack of logic in that statement astounds me”