JAKARTA - Arsenal are still the only team unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season. The Gunners also have ambitions to improve their poor results recently in the cup competition against their tough rival, Tottenham Hotspur, in the North London derby which will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, January 15.

Although Arsenal's trip to the FA Cup ended in Manchester United last weekend, Ange Postecoglou's side managed to score three goals without reply against Tamworth, despite having to go through an additional 30 minutes.

Emirates' defensive walls appear to collapse if they see Arsenal's last two appearances at home. Mikel Arteta's men had to bury their dreams in the FA Cup and most likely in the EFL Cup after two very disappointing attacking appearances.

Five days after a heartbreaking home defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup where they received valuable lessons about Arsenal's attacking effectiveness again poor-performing Manchester United who played with 10 people.

United managed to defend their FA Cup title with Altay Bayindir's heroic performance that saved two penalties, while Kai Havertz was in the negative spotlight with a series of wasted chances. In addition, Gabriel Jesus again suffered a knee injury, which further strengthened Arsenal's need for a new striker in January.

However, Arteta still believes in his squad to rise from this slump. The defeat at this derby could leave Arsenal nine points behind Liverpool, depending on the result of the Reds match against Nottingham Forest.

Even though Arsenal are now without a clean sheet in the last four games in all competitions, their Premier League defense at the Emirates remains solid. In the last four home games in the league, Arsenal have never conceded, and they can learn from Tamworth about how to deal with Spurs attacks for the full 90 minutes.

On the other hand, Tottenham's performance in the FA Cup against Tamworth became a mixed spectacle. While the win was finally achieved thanks to Nathan Tshikuna's own goal, as well as goals from Dejan Kulusevski andUS Johnson, Spurs' performance against the team from the National League is far from convincing.

Following inconsistent performance patterns, Spurs failed to show their sharpness for 90 minutes against Tamworth, although previously they managed to beat leaders of the Premier League, Liverpool, in the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinals. Now, Spurs are trying to win three straight wins for the first time since early October.

However, Spurs' away performance in the Premier League is of great concern, taking only one point from the last 12 points available. During their visit to the Emirates, Spurs have always conceded in their last 25 Premier League games against Arsenal, giving the hosts hope of winning despite the crisis.

Arsenal had to face this derby without Gabriel Jesus, who had another knee injury against Manchester United. His injury status has not been fully confirmed, but he is confirmed to be absent with Ethan Nwaneri (must injury), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Ben White (lutut), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (lutut). In addition, Riccardo Calafiori is doubtful of appearing after missing the FA Cup defeat due to muscle problems.

After appearing disappointing for 120 minutes against United, Arteta is likely to make some changes to his line-up. However, he may have no choice but to keep Havertz up front even though his performance is less than satisfactory.

On the Tottenham side, the condition of the players has not changed much. Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero, and Rodrigo Bentancur are ruled out. Meanwhile, Fraser Forster, who was previously absent due to illness, may be back, but Antonin Kinsky's new January recruit is likely to make his Premier League debut in this derby.

Like Arsenal, Tottenham are also expected to make some changes, with Son Heung-min, Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, and EFL Cup hero Lucas Bergvall back in the starting lineup.

With a solid home record in the Premier League, Arsenal have a great chance of returning to winning ways, especially with Tottenham's poor record at the Emirates. However, the absence of key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka is a big challenge for Arteta.

Meanwhile, Tottenham came with the motivation to reverse their fortunes in away matches. Their disappointing performance against Tamworth could serve as a warning to Postecoglou to increase the intensity of his team's game.

The match is expected to be tight, but Arsenal's lead at home and Spurs' poor record at the Emirates put a bit of an edge on the Gunners. The final result will most likely be determined by the ability of both teams to take advantage of chances in front of goal.

Arsenal (4-3-3):Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3):Kinsky;Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Spence; Bergvall, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son


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