Former Arsenal icon predicts Premier League champions ahead of North London derby clash

The Croatian manager faces an immediate baptism of fire in what supporters consider the most significant fixture of the season.

Both clubs enter the contest seeking vastly different outcomes, with Spurs battling at the wrong end of the table while their rivals chase Premier League glory.

Despite sitting at the summit, Arsenal's form has wobbled in recent weeks, managing just two victories from their previous seven league fixtures.

The Gunners squandered a two-goal advantage in their midweek draw against bottom club Wolves, heightening concerns around Arteta's title aspirations.

Their lead over Pep Guardiola's Manchester City has shrunk to two points.

Speaking to GB News through trustworthy UK casinos, Winterburn said: "The players must remain super confident with their mindset, we have the squad, go and show what you are capable of doing. Believe in yourself and show everyone that they have the belief to achieve their aim of winning the title."

He added: "I believe Arsenal will win the title, but it's up to the players and manager now."

Winterburn acknowledged that Manchester City will challenge the Gunners throughout the campaign but believes neither team will go unbeaten.

The club legend pointed to City's inconsistency this term as grounds for optimism, noting the champions have displayed vulnerability despite their pedigree.

He said: "City are a huge club, and have gone through big changes this season and shown vulnerability."

Winterburn emphasised that Arsenal's squad depth gives them the edge in the title race, insisting he has seen nothing from rival clubs to suggest they can overhaul Mikel Arteta's side despite injury problems affecting Arsenal's preparations, with Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, and Max Dowman ruled out of today's clash.

Captain Martin Odegaard is managing an issue that kept him out of the trip to Molineux, leaving his availability in question.

Winterburn acknowledged Merino's absence as a setback, describing the midfielder as having been in his finest form before the injury struck.

The former Arsenal star expressed no surprise at Frank's dismissal, describing the decision as inevitable given Tottenham's proximity to the relegation zone.

He observed: "It doesn’t surprise me to be honest. I think it was inevitable. They are sitting too close to the relegation zone and you never say you are not going to be relegated as you are there for a reason.

"Don’t know whether it’s a new manager or an interim manager, but it has to be one who gets organisation and belief into the players and they haven’t got a lot of time to do it.

Regarding today's fixture, Winterburn predicted the atmosphere would remain electric despite both clubs' contrasting fortunes, suggesting the managerial change adds extra intrigue.

He noted: "The rivalry between the teams will never change. The atmosphere will be the same and electric and with state of both teams and a new manager of some sort taking charge, it will add extra spice to the game for sure.

Winterburn added: "From an Arsenal perspective, they need to be ready to deal with any scenario and be as professional as they would be in preparing for any game. They know what the prize is they are looking to achieve at the end of the season."

Tottenham sit in 16th position after securing just two wins from their last 17 Premier League matches.

Tudor's selection options are severely limited by an extensive injury list that includes club captain Cristian Romero, who joins James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus on the sidelines.

The availability of Pedro Porro and Richarlison remains uncertain, with both players having been set return targets by the now-departed Frank.

Spurs have not tasted victory in this fixture since May 2022, when Antonio Conte's side triumphed 3-0 through goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

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