The North London Derby arrives this Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, pitting struggling hosts against league-leading visitors. A simulation using EA FC 26 predicts a tense 2-1 victory for Arsenal, factoring in injuries, suspensions, and current form.

Teams’ Current Standings and Challenges

Tottenham fights to escape the relegation battle, holding a five-point buffer above the drop zone. The club recently appointed caretaker manager Igor Tudor after Thomas Frank’s exit, thrusting him into his debut against the top team with a depleted roster.

Arsenal tops the Premier League table with a five-point lead over Manchester City, despite playing one extra match. Recent draws against Brentford and Wolves have intensified scrutiny, following a 4-1 win over Tottenham earlier this season.

Spurs endure a winless streak in 2026 Premier League action, earning just four points from their last eight games.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Tottenham fields a 3-4-1-2 formation amid 12 unavailable players, including suspended captain Cristian Romero. Only Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin remain as natural center-backs, with Joao Palhinha likely shifting to defense:

• Vicario; Dragusin, Palhinha, van de Ven; Gray, Sarr, Gallagher, Spence; Xavi; Solanke, Kolo Muani

Arsenal deploys a 4-3-3 without Leandro Trossard (head injury), with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz doubtful, plus sidelined Mikel Merino and Max Dowman:

• Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Match Simulation Highlights

Viktor Gyokeres strikes first for Arsenal in the 15th minute, drifting unmarked into the box and sweeping the ball into the top corner for a 1-0 lead. Arsenal dominates with quick passing and midfield control.

Gyokeres doubles the advantage at the 29th minute from a similar position, exposing Tottenham’s makeshift defense and firing Arsenal 2-0 ahead before halftime.

The second half sees Tottenham respond. Xavi Simons misses wide early on but pulls one back in the 69th minute, turning and shooting amid rapid passes to make it 2-1. Spurs gains momentum, pressing harder.

Gyokeres misses a late chance for a hat-trick, but Arsenal holds firm for the 2-1 win.

Implications for Both Sides

This simulated result bolsters Arsenal’s title push, addressing recent dropped points and relying on Saka-Odegaard chemistry to maintain their edge over City.

For Tottenham, the defeat highlights injury woes and defensive vulnerabilities under Tudor, underscoring the need for swift improvements to avoid relegation trouble.

North London Derbies often deliver surprises, but this EA FC 26 prediction favors Arsenal inflicting further pain on their neighbors.