“These games are always really tight” - Alan Shearer shares his result prediction ahead of Tottenham vs Arsenal

Alan Shearer has shared his prediction for the upcoming Premier League clash between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. The North London derby will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, September 15.

Shearer, who holds the Premier League record for the most goals in the competition with 260, spoke about the importance of the derby. The Newcastle United legend said (via Metro):

"The North London derby is a huge one in the Premier League. Derby games are great to play in because you can get away with a little bit more, the referees are a little more lenient, and they understand what it means to coaches, players and fans."

He also spoke about the players who will be absent, adding:

"If of course, Martin Odegaard is ruled that’s bad news for Arsenal but very good for Tottenham because Odegaard and Rice are two of Arsenal’s big hitters so to go into a game of this size without them, it would be tough for Arsenal."

"Hopefully Dominic Solanke is deemed fit for this one, because what a great way to introduce himself to the Tottenham fans if he could make the difference in his first derby game, to make a huge statement in a game of this size," he continued.

Shearer went on to discuss how Tottenham's style of attack could change the game for Ange Postecoglou's men.

"The key to this game for me is, 'Will Spurs improve in forward positions?' It’s something Ange Postecoglou will want to work on in terms of having more killer instinct when they do have the ball because on the evidence I saw, they’ll have to improve massively," the former striker explained.

Finally, he gave his prediction for the game, saying it could be a draw but not a goalless one.

"These games are always really tight, and with the potential injury news for Arsenal, there may not be a lot between the two teams, so I’m tempted to go for a score-draw in this one," Shearer concluded.

While Arsenal are fourth with seven points from three games, Spurs are 10th with four points from three matches.

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Who will likely miss Tottenham vs Arsenal?

Spurs will miss a few players for the North London derby. Dominic Solanke remains an uncertain addition to the starting lineup due to his ankle injury. Richarlison (muscle injury) and Yves Bissouma are also doubtful for the game.

For the Gunners, Declan Rice is suspended after receiving a red card in their last match against Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break.

Gabriel Jesus, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are unavailable due to injury, while Riccardo Calafiori could potentially play after returning from a shin injury.

Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are expected to return to action in October.