"It’s always tough to predict a derby" - Alan Shearer predicts North London derby result as Arsenal get set to host Tottenham

Alan Shearer has backed Arsenal to beat arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. The two sides will face off at the Emirates in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday, November 23.

The Gunners have had a good start to the season and sit atop the Premier League standings, four points above second-placed Manchester City. However, they dropped points in their last game, drawing 2-2 at Sunderland before the international break. They will now host their arch-rivals, Tottenham, hoping to bounce back.

Sharing his prediction for the derby, Premier League's all-time top scorer (260 goals), Alan Shearer told Metro:

"Man City will have already played and claimed their points, or none. But whatever happens, Arsenal’s mentality is that they have to win the game. It’s always tough to predict a derby game but I think I’m just going to go for Arsenal to edge it. I usually go for a draw but I think I’ll just go for Arsenal to edge it."

"From 17th last season to where they are now, the football hasn’t been great from Spurs, but you can see a stamp from Thomas Frank on that team. They’ve improved at set-pieces and I think it’ll take time. I think Thomas Frank will be quietly pleased with how things have gone so far," he added.

Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League standings, eight points behind the Gunners.

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Mikel Arteta provides update on Gabriel's injury ahead of Arsenal's clash against Tottenham

Gabriel suffered an injury during Brazil's friendly match against Senegal on November 15. He missed their clash against Tunisia and returned to north London for further assessment.

Ahead of the big derby against Tottenham, Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel will be out of action for a few weeks, saying in his press conference:

"Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazil national team and he's going to be out for weeks. We need to have another scan next Wednesday, and we'll have the timeline probably much clearer than we have at the moment."

When asked how big a blow it is, Arteta added:

"It's clearly a blow because he's our leader in our backline and, to me, it's never a positive thing. The good thing, as you mentioned, is that we have very good options and we need to stand up now and do the job."

Gabriel has helped Arsenal keep seven clean sheets in 11 Premier League games this season, also contributing one goal and two assists.