The 198th North London Derby takes centre stage on Sunday, with the narrative shifting dramatically ahead of kick-off.
Premier League leaders Arsenal welcome bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium. However, the Gunners’ title charge has been rocked by a deepening injury crisis. In contrast, Tottenham arrive with a squad bolstered by numerous returning stars, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal clash.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview and Team News
Date: Sunday, 23 November 2025
Kick-off: 4:30 pm GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: Michael Oliver
VAR: Paul Tierney
Last Meeting: Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur, 31 July 2025, Club Friendly
Team News
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has been dealt a devastating blow. Integral defender Gabriel Magalhães could miss the rest of 2025 with a hamstring injury. To make matters worse, Riccardo Calafiori is also out. Consequently, a reshuffled defence featuring Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie is expected. The injury list grows further with Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz still weeks away. Furthermore, doubts remain over Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke.
Tottenham Hotspur
Thomas Frank confirmed a massive fitness boost, declaring that Spurs have “won the injury battle.” Eight players have returned to the fold, including Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall. Additionally, Randal Kolo Muani is available to play with a protective mask. Mohammed Kudus and Ben Davies have also trained. However, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison remain sidelined.
Form Guide
Arsenal
The Gunners sit top of the table, but their momentum has stalled slightly after a draw at Sunderland. Their defensive solidity, the bedrock of their success, faces its sternest test yet. While they have won five of their last six home derbies, they must now do so without their defensive leader, Gabriel.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are fifth and remain the only Premier League team unbeaten away from home. Crucially, the return of key players comes at the perfect time. They will look to exploit Arsenal’s depleted backline. Notably, this is the first derby since 2014 without Harry Kane or Son Heung-min involved for Tottenham.
