Injuries have ravaged both sides ahead of Sunday’s north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, but the show must go on as the Gunners chase their first Premier League title since 2004 and Spurs seek Champions League qualification once again.
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Arsenal are four points clear of the field after 11 games thanks to an incredibly deep squad of world-class talent. Captain Martin Odegaard hasn’t played a minute since Oct. 4 (just 204 minutes in the PL this season), thrusting summer signing Eberechi Eze (1 goal, 2 assists) into the spotlight even more than his $80-million price tag would have done. Leandro Trossard (2 goals, 2 assists) has picked up the slack in the wake of Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke’s injuries have handicapped them thus far (1 goal, 0 assists between). And that’s the benefit of a squad as deep as Mikel Arteta has cultivated six years into his tenure.
On the other side, Thomas Frank is three months into the job of trying to turn Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League winners into a more stable, consistent competitor for the long term. 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall is the only fit midfielder with an attacking bone in his body, yet Spurs are punching above their weight to an increased emphasis on set pieces. Both sides have prioritized dead-ball opportunities (and will continue to do so on Sunday), but can Spurs create scoring chances any other way? Magic 8-ball says, “Not looking good.”
Arsenal predicted lineup
——- Raya ——-
—- Timber —- Saliba —- Mosquera —- Calafiori —-
—— Zubimendi —- Rice ——
—— Saka —- Eze —- Trossard —-
——- Merino ——-
OUT: Martin Odegaard (knee - MORE), Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh - MORE), Kai Havertz (knee - MORE), Gabriel Jesus (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Riccardo Calafiori (hip), Viktor Gyokeres (muscular- MORE), Noni Madueke (knee), Gabriel Martinelli (undisclosed)
Spurs predicted lineup
——- Vicario ——-
—- Porro —- Romero —- Van de Ven —- Spence —-
—— Palhinha —— Bentancur ——
—— Kudus —- Sarr —— Odobert ——
——- Richarlison ——-