Arsenal welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium in today’s Premier League derby.
The Gunners are three points ahead of Chelsea at the top of the table, and can extend their lead with a positive result against Spurs.
Ahead of the game, Arsenal could witness the return of four players to the matchday squad.
Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke have apparently returned to full training and could be involved.
We anticipate two changes to the starting line-up from the 2-2 draw against Sunderland on the road before the international break.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been an undisputed starter in the Premier League, keeping seven clean sheets. He will be eyeing another shutout in the north London derby.
In defence, there will be an enforced change with Gabriel Magalhaes ruled out for weeks with a thigh injury. We have predicted Piero Hincapie to replace him.
Hincapie is a like-for-like replacement for the Brazilian. The 23-year-old is left-footed and provides a stronger aerial presence compared to Cristhian Mosquera.
Hincapie should partner William Saliba in central defence. Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were spotted arriving for training yesterday and should start in the full-back positions.
No changes are expected in the heart of the midfield. Martin Zubimendi, described as ‘very impressive‘ by manager Mikel Arteta, is guaranteed to start in the number six role.
Declan Rice is poised to partner the Spaniard in the centre of the park. Odegaard may have returned to full training, but may not be up to full speed after a lengthy injury lay-off.
Hence, we anticipate Eberechi Eze to continue in the number 10 position.
In the final third, Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter on the right wing. The same can be said for Leandro Trossard, who has started each of the previous seven league matches.
The Belgian has eight goal involvements from 14 appearances this term. He has fared well against Spurs, scoring three goals, including a winner in January. He will feature on the left wing.
With Gyokeres back in training, we anticipate the Swede to lead the line ahead of Mikel Merino. He has excellent fitness levels and could be drafted straight into the XI on his return.
How Arsenal could line up vs Tottenham
Stats from Transfermarkt.com