Arsenal predicted XI vs Spurs as Saka role changed, Odegaard returns and striker decision made

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are predicted to start for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League

Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby at their rivals’ ground, needing to win to recover their Premier League title-chasing form. The draw at Wolves was extremely damaging to their hopes, and has put the race back in Manchester City’s hands too.

Mikel Arteta has some big calls to make with some injury worries ahead of the game, not as many as new head coach Igor Tudor has to contend with, but all the same, there are some major absences. Question marks remain over the likes of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz remain.

While Leandro Trossard received a head injury at Wolves, which forced him off too. Arteta needs to get his eleven spot on with rising pressure.

With that said, here is how football.london believes Arteta will select for his Arsenal starting XI...

David Raya

After making a glaring error in colliding with Gabriel Magalhaes, the Spaniard is perhaps under more scrutiny than ever before. But he'll still start this giant clash.

Jurrien Timber

Ben White has been called for by many supporters, but the likelihood is that the out-of-form Jurrien Timber is expected to continue.

William Saliba

Avoided the scrutiny from the Wolves game and had a decent performance, but will need to be at his best at Tottenham.

Gabriel

In the spotlight with Raya following Wolves' equaliser, but should arguably have been trusted by his keeper to just head the ball clear instead of being impeded.

Piero Hincapie

Another goal contribution at Wolves. That is two in two games for the defender, and he is perhaps one of the few players in good form.

Martin Zubimendi

After six months of top displays, Martin Zubimendi is facing considerable criticism of late, and calls for Christian Norgaard have never been greater.

Declan Rice

This is the game where you need your biggest players to step up, and there are none bigger perhaps now than Declan Rice.

Martin Odegaard

Mikel Arteta alluded to the attacking midfielder having a "big possibility" of being involved, and if he is ready, I can totally see him starting here.

Bukayo Saka

After signing a new deal and scoring against Wolves, the hope is that Saka has found some form and can end the season strongly.

Viktor Gyokeres

Zero shots and five miscontrols against Wolves; not ideal, and not good enough. But neither was Gabriel Jesus, and with questions over Kai Havertz's fitness, the Swede starts.

Leandro Trossard

Mikel Arteta confirmed that the Belgian is fine despite being substituted following a clash against Wolves with what appeared to be a head injury.