Micah Richards reveals his prediction for Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur clash
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards is backing Arsenal to prevail against Tottenham Hotspur in their crucial Premier League clash next week.
The north London rivals are set to play the derby on May 12 in a potential decider for fourth place.
The Gunners are poised to make a return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 season. They currently sit in fourth position with 63 points, two clear of fifth-placed Spurs.
Mikel Arteta's side have recovered from another slump to win their last three games in a row. They secured a 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a 3-1 victory over Manchester United at home and a 2-1 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Chelsea—66 points (34 games)
Arsenal—63 points (34 games)
Spurs—61 points (34 games)
Man Utd—55 points (35 games)
Chelsea pulled back in the top four race 😬 https://t.co/Byh1MLUHWi
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte's men have collected just four points from nine games during the same period.
They lost 1-0 to Brighton and were held to a 0-0 draw by Brentford before securing a hard-fought 3-1 win over Leicester City last weekend.
With four games left in their campaign, it will be an interesting race, with much riding on the derby next Thursday.
Richards is betting his money on Arsenal to win it as he thinks their recent form holds them in good stead.
Speaking to The Monday Night Club on the BBC, he said (via TBR Football):
“Arsenal. I’m saying Arsenal. I think Arsenal, yes. I just think with their form and winning the last three, I’m going Arsenal."
Arsenal haven't finished in the Premier League top four since the 2015-16 season. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have failed to qualify for the Champions League in the four seasons prior to the last two.
All eyes on north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur
With just four games left in the season and only two points separating Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, the race for the top four is set to go down to the wire. The upcoming north London derby could play a big part in deciding who goes into the Champions League.
Spurs have a relatively tougher home stretch as they're also set to play Liverpool this weekend at Anfield (May 7).
Two points separate Arsenal and Tottenham for fourth place.
They meet in two weeks for the North London derby 🍿 https://t.co/IWK1VyaR2D
A defeat to the Reds would really make it imperative for Antonio Conte's side to win the derby, where they hold home advantage.
The Gunners' recent winning run, however, makes them strong favorites, although even a draw would be enough to seal fourth place.