Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has no sympathy for Arsenal and his injury concerns as he prepares his depleted squad for tomorrow’s North London derby.
Spurs have struggled for bodies for much of the season and will again be without three quarters of their first choice with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Odogie out, along with goalkeepers Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Arsenal also has several concerns, but Postecoglou is not concerned with anyone else’s problems.
He said: “I don’t think they have any sympathy for us. I have empathy not sympathy.
“We’ve been in this position for a while now. There is some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Team news from Ange ahead of tomorrow’s North London derby 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/a7uepXNHC1
— Tottenham (@SpursOfficial) January 14, 2025
Twelfth-placed Spurs have won just one of their last eight league games and Postecoglou will be keen to start their season with a win against their bitter rivals.
The Australian added: “I’ve been big into it (the rivalry) since the first game and this year it’s as big as ever, especially for us and our season.
“We have to start winning games in the league and there is no better place to start.
“With the position we are in the league at the moment, regardless of the turning points, we have to start winning games and get up the table. Although it’s a huge challenge for us tomorrow night, there’s an opportunity for us to do it.”
Arsenal are coming off the back of two disappointing cup results with last Tuesday’s EFL Cup defeat by Newcastle followed by Sunday’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup.
Boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that a derby game is just what his players need to get back on track.
He said: “It’s the coolest game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to the world – us and everyone involved.
“Atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to eat.”
News of the team Arsenal – Tottenham
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus suffered a suspected ACL tear at the weekend and is set for a long spell on the sidelines, along with Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka and Ben White.
Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt but Jorginho and Jurrien Timber are expected to be fit.
There was some rare good news for Postecoglou after he confirmed Richarlison is back in contention and the Brazilian striker is likely to start from the bench.
Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and Son Heung-min should return to the starting line-up after being ruled out for the FA Cup tie at Tamworth on Sunday.
Timo Werner is unavailable.
WIN UP TO £50 IN FREE BETS WITH THIS TALKSPORT OFFER
Arsenal vs Tottenham expected line-ups:
Arsenal: Raya? Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli
Tottenham: Kinski? Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bissouma, Bergvall, Sarr; Kulusevsky, Sean, Solanke
How to watch Arsenal v Tottenham
The game is shown on TNT Sports 1 with the program starting at 18.30. Kick off is at 8pm.
