Mark Lawrenson predicts Arsenal vs Tottenham result

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Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he believes Arsenal and Tottenham will play out a 1-1 draw in the North London derby this weekend – and claimed that both managers would probably take that result.

Sunday’s clash looks to be incredibly intriguing. During the early stages of the campaign, it appeared inevitable that Spurs may be the team to push Mikel Arteta out the door at the Emirates.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men topped the table heading into the international break after three wins on the bounce. Amongst their scalps were Manchester City.

However, Spurs have now lost their last two. Arsenal meanwhile, have started to move up the table.

The Gunners have beaten Norwich and Burnley 1-0. Of course, the two results have not silenced all of Arteta’s doubters.

But it does seem a little easier now to see a potential pathway for Arsenal.

However, the clash with Tottenham remains a huge test for the Spaniard. And Lawrenson has predicted that they will secure a result that he will be content with.

“I can’t say I’ve been surprised by their inconsistency. I said from the start that I don’t fancy Tottenham’s defence, and Harry Kane has not got going yet for them in the league,” he told BBC Sport, as he predicted a 1-1 draw.

“Arsenal have improved from the way they started the season but I don’t see them going on a long unbeaten run now.

“They might get a draw here though. That’s a result that both managers would probably settle for given the circumstances.”

Sunday seems a must-not-lose game for both Arsenal and Tottenham

Anything can happen in the derby, so it is incredibly difficult to call. And a victory would certainly help either Arteta or Nuno send a message to their critics.

But it does feel like it is a game that neither boss can really afford to lose.

Of course, something ridiculous would surely have to happen for either to lose their job after this result.

But there is no question that either boss would be left with a real uphill task trying to win supporters back round if they end up losing on Sunday.