Former Arsenal defender Lauren believes Tottenham have closed the gap on Mikel Arteta’s side but Arsenal will come away with the win.
The two North London sides meet on Sunday in the first derby of the season, and after Ange Postecoglou’s impressive start to the season with Spurs, and Arteta’s struggles to accommodate new signing Kai Havertz so far, Lauren thinks that they are closely matched.
He told bettingsites.co.uk: “Previously there has been a big gap between Tottenham and Arsenal, but now it looks like that gap is closing.
“It is true that at the Emirates Arsenal have won 3-1 for the past two seasons, but Tottenham also won the last game at their home ground 2-0, so the gap is closing.
"There is a lot of quality in both sides and the gap between them is narrow, especially with the starts they’ve made this season.
“The North London Derby is one of those games that you look for in the calendar at the start of the season.
"As a player, you love to play in those games because it is a tough match against strong opposition and you can feel something different.
"Players want to make an impact during these games – it’s a great atmosphere.
“I think Arsenal will win because they are heading into the game with good momentum and they’re on a good winning run – beating Manchester United, Everton and PSV.
"It won’t be easy and it will be very competitive, but I think Arsenal will come away with three points.”