Tottenham fans will hate Chris Sutton’s prediction for North London Derby vs Arsenal

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Tottenham Hotspur fans will not like what Chris Sutton has predicted for the North London derby vs Arsenal on Sunday.

The upcoming derby feels even bigger than this fixture usually does, given its significance for the two clubs.

Arsenal cannot afford to slip up again in their title race with Manchester City after dropping two points against Wolves in mid-week.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s status in the Premier League is under threat, and relegation would have monumental implications for Spurs, which everyone associated with the club may not even bear to think about.

Chris Sutton expects Arsenal to decimate Tottenham

There is a fresh start at Spurs with the change in management, and Igor Tudor has promised Tottenham fans that his side will be brave in the derby.

Sutton expects the home side to play on the frontfoot and take the game to their rivals, but he suggested that the Premier League leaders will be able to pick them off, given the quality they have at their disposal.

When asked to predict the result of Sunday’s fixture, the pundit told BBC Sport: “From what I’ve read about new Tottenham manager Igor Tudor, he is a guy who goes in at clubs and, in the short term, gets a turn out of his team. Spurs really need that to happen now, because they desperately need a win or two to get out of reach of relegation. So, this game is big for them for that reason, and also because they can put another dent in Arsenal’s title hopes too.

“Spurs and their fans have not had a lot to shout about this season, but if they can get something here then this could be a defining moment in their campaign and affect Arsenal as well. They would love that.

“It was an incredible wobble by Mikel Arteta’s team against Wolves, drawing 2-2 after being 2-0 up, and I certainly didn’t see it coming. Maybe it is getting to be ‘squeaky bum time’ for them, but it didn’t affect them when they went away to Leeds a couple of weeks ago and won convincingly.

“You can imagine how Spurs will be champing at the bit, and I am expecting them to make a fast start and have a real go at them – but Arsenal have to deal with that, and find a way of bouncing back.

“I think the Gunners can do that, and their quality will make the difference in the end. I worry about Spurs in forward areas and it will be interesting to see how Tudor lines them up in defence too.

“Ultimately, if Arsenal turn up and play how we know they can, then they will win – and I am expecting them to make a real statement.”

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-3 Arsenal.

The atmosphere on Sunday will be different to what we have seen this season

Only time will tell if Tottenham made the right decision to sack Thomas Frank and bring Tudor in as the temporary firefighter.

However, the one thing the managerial change will help with, at least temporarily, is to get the supporters back onside.

We will likely see a much more rockous atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium than we have for much of the season, particularly if the home side start on the front foot.