It is the new season’s first instalment of the heated North London derby, as Arsenal entertain neighbours Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners have enjoyed a solid start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, winning four and drawing one from their opening five games. Mikel Arteta’s side head into the derby on a high after continuing their unbeaten run in all competitions in midweek. They enjoyed a perfect return to the Champions League after a six-year absence, winning 4-0 against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.
However, Arteta’s men face a Tottenham side galvanised by new manager Ange Postecoglou and currently level on points with them at this early stage in the campaign.
Arsenal Team News
Gabriel Martinelli missed the game against PSV Eindhoven with a hamstring injury suffered last weekend in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. As per Arteta, the Brazilian winger is being assessed by the medical department to see if he can make it to the squad against Spurs.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey is definitely out along with Jurrien Timber.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Tottenham (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
David Raya kept a second consecutive clean sheet after Arteta opted to start the Spaniard ahead of Aaron Ramsdale against PSV. It is unlikely Arteta will make a change in goal in a big game against Sunday, meaning Raya should retain his place in the team.
Defence
In front of Raya, William Saliba will continue his strong partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of Arsenal’s defence. Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are certain starters at full-back positions, with the latter often looking to come inside into central midfield and help Arteta’s side dominate possession.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior will have to be content with roles on the bench again.
Midfield
Declan Rice has quickly become a part of Arsenal’s furniture. He will be responsible for controlling the flow of Arsenal’s play from the No.6 role. Fresh from producing a Man of the Match display against PSV, Martin Odegaard will pull the strings in midfield. With his creativity, vision and movement, the Norwegian could hurt Tottenham at any moment in the game.
Kai Havertz got the nod ahead of Fabio Vieira in midfield against PSV in midweek, and the German produced his best performance in an Arsenal shirt. Havertz’s encouraging display in the Champions League should’ve bolstered his hopes of a start in the North London derby.
Attack
Bukayo Saka was fantastic against PSV in the Champions League, and the England international will be heavily relied upon in attack again against Spurs. On the opposite side, Leandro Trossard showed against Everton and PSV why he deserves a run-in on the left flank ahead of Gabriel Martinelli, whose participation in the North London derby remains doubtful due to a hamstring injury.
Gabriel Jesus impressed on his first start of the season for Arteta’s side with a goal in the Champions League win over PSV. The Brazilian is likely to get the nod ahead of Eddie Nketiah to spearhead the Gunners’ attack against Spurs.