Arsenal’s predicted XI against Tottenham Hotspur as they look to further cement their status as league leaders
Sign up to our newsletter for the most distinctive football content delivered direct to your inbox
Sign up
Thank you for signing up!
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to 3 Added Minutes, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Submitting...
After falling to a surprise 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Sunderland in a roller coaster afternoon of football before the international break, Arsenal return to action to face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
It’s a derby match and an occasion which always has an extra edge due to the long-standing rivalry between both players and supporters. Arsenal have the chance to try and further cement their status at the top of the table, but are more than aware of the threat posed by a Tottenham side that would love nothing more than putting a dent in their local rivals’ title dreams.
Arsenal remain in pole position to end their 21-year-wait for a league title but know that there’s plenty more challenges that they’ll have to overcome if they are to end up in the summit by the final kick in May.
The latest challenge and the one that everyone at the club’s been dreading is an injury to star defender Gabriel, who is out until January. But how will Arsenal replace him? And could we see a return for stars like Martin Odegaard and Viktor Gyokeres this weekend?
Arsenal predicted line-up vs Spurs: goalkeeper and defence
GK: David Raya: The Spaniard has arguably been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season and more than justified Arteta’s decision to bring him in for the popular Aaron Ramsdale over the course of the last few seasons.
RB: Jurrien Timber: Timber was injured by a bad tackle during the first half of the Netherlands' win against Lithuania, adding to the growing list of injury concerns. However, he was treated by physios and played on for another 30 minutes after the challenge, raising hope that he should be fit enough to start against Tottenham.
CB: William Saliba: French international Saliba has been one of the best in the business for a number of seasons now and will hope for another stellar defensive showing on derby day.
CB: Piero Hincape: The likes of Ben White, Timber and summer signing Cristhian Mosquera could all feasibly step up to replace Gabriel. However, this could be the time for Hincapie, a Bundesliga winner with Bayer Leverkusen to make his first league start since arriving from Germany.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori: The 23-year-old Italian is a slight doubt after suffering a knock on international duty, but is expected to regain fitness in time for this game as Myles Lewis-Skelly waits for an opportunity to shine.
Arsenal predicted line-up vs Spurs: midfield and attack
CM: Declan Rice: One of the Premier league’s finest midfielders on current form. Rice has lived up to the hype of being a £100m+ player from the moment he signed for Arsenal. His set piece ability is amongst the best in the league and could prove to be the difference-maker.
CM: Martín Zubimendi: Spanish midfielder Zubimendi has adapted excellently to life in English football and really looks at home in Arteta’s midfield. He’s expected to retain his starting spot.
CM: Eberechi Eze: Martin Odegaard is approaching a return to fitness and could feature in a cameo role, but we expect Eze to get the nod from the start. He’s shown plenty of promise since joining and has looked decent in the middle of the park so far.
RW: Bukayo Saka: Arguably Arsenal’s most influential attacking player. Saka often turns up in North London derbies and has delivered three goals and as many assists when facing the Lilywhites, winning six of his 10 matches against them.
ST: Mikel Merino: Spanish international Merino may have been signed as a central midfielder, but he’s often proved incredibly useful as a makeshift centre forward in a crisis. The former Newcastle United man could be asked to lead the line once again.
LW: Leandro Trossard: Gabriel Martinelli missed the last outing with a groin problem and is pushing for a return, but for the time being Trossard seems to be the first choice. The Belgian has been a great signing since his move from Brighton and is amongst Arsenal’s top players for goal contributions over the last 18 months.