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Arsenal are under pressure to get back to winning ways as we take on Tottenham in a huge NLD at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon.

Manchester City have cut our lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points after beating Newcastle United on Saturday night. Following the disastrous 2-2 draw with Wolves last week, Arsenal need to respond with a win over our North London rivals today.

David Raya keeps goal once again for Arsenal while Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba continue their partnership in the middle of defence. Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie occupy the full-back roles. Ben White isn’t in the squad.

Martin Zubimendi anchors the midfield while Declan Rice will be looking to put-in a commanding performance in the middle of the park. Eberechi Eze is recalled to start in the attacking midfield role with Martin Odegaard only fit enough for a place on the bench.

Bukayo Saka moves to the right-wing meaning Noni Madueke drops to the bench. Leandro Trossard is recalled to start on the left flank with Gabriel Martinelli making way.

Mikel Arteta has opted to start Viktor Gyokeres up front for Arsenal so Gabriel Jesus is among the substitutes. Kai Havertz is still missing.

These are the line-ups:

Arsenal

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi; Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Saka.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Odegaard, Jesus, Martinell, Norgaard, Madueke, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly.

Tottenham

Vicario; Palhinha, Dragusin, Van de Ven; Gray, Bissouma, Sarr, Spence; Gallagher, Simons; Kolo Muani

Subs: Austin, Rowswell, Souza, Olusesi, Williams-Barnett, Tel, Richarlison, Solanke, Wilson.

Following a thumping 4-1 victory over arch-rival Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, Arsenal will host Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in a Champions League encounter tomorrow night.

The Gunners have had a perfect start in Europe’s elite club competition, winning all four matches without conceding any goals. On the other hand, the record German champions have also won all of their games in this tournament and are just above Mikel Arteta’s side on goal difference.

Team news

Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are edging closer to returning after recovering from their respective problems. However, this game will come too early for them to feature. On the other hand, Gabriel Magalhaes has been ruled out for a few weeks, having sustained an injury during international duty with Brazil.

Thankfully, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke have recovered and are in contention to start, while Martin Odegaard could be named in the matchday squad. He has been out due to a knee injury over the last few weeks and has recovered in time ahead of a hectic fixture schedule.

Predicted line-up

Mikel Arteta is unlikely to make many changes to his starting line-up that defeated Spurs last weekend. So, David Raya is set to continue between the sticks.

William Saliba and Piero Hincapié should keep hold of their place in the centre-back position, while Jurrien Timber is likely to remain in the right-back position.

Riccardo Calafiori was an injury doubt for the Tottenham game, so he might not be ready to start two games in three days, and Myles Lewis-Skelly could get the nod to commence in the left-back position.

Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are set to be the midfield pairing, while Eberechi Eze would be in the CAM role after scoring a hat-trick last time out. So, Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri would have to make do with a place on the bench.

Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard should be the two wingers, while Martinelli and Madueke could feature as substitutes if needed. Mikel Merino might continue to lead the line for Arsenal amid Gyokeres’ absence.

Expected Arsenal line-up vs Bayern Munich

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Merino, Trossard

Arsenal cemented their position at the top of the Premier League table with a resounding 4-1 win over North London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring, while Eberechi Eze produced a fine hat-trick that moved Arsenal six points clear of second-placed Chelsea.

Match summary

Arsenal controlled the game from the early stages and looked sharp in every area. Trossard struck first with a deflected finish that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

Eze then took full command with two well taken goals that showed his growing influence in the Arsenal team.

Tottenham pulled one back with a long range effort from Richarlison after Martin Zubimendi had lost the ball in the middle of the park, but it did not change the flow of the match.

Arsenal stayed steady, moved the ball with purpose, and sealed another win, when Eze completed the scoring with another well taken goal.

Player ratings

GK: David Raya – 7/10

He faced very little pressure for most of the match. He was beaten from range but his overall display was calm and steady.

RB: Jurrien Timber – 8/10

He gave Arsenal constant width and pushed forward with confidence. He made several passes into the final third and offered strong support in attack.

CB: William Saliba – 7/10

He had a quiet afternoon, but he stayed composed in defence. Kept possession well and helped Arsenal control the rhythm of the game.

CB: Piero Hincapie – 7/10

Delivered a good performance during a fairly simple match for the defence. Stayed alert when required and moved the ball with ease.

LB: Riccardo Calafiori – 7.5/10

Linked well with the midfield and added strength on the left side. He passed the ball cleanly and joined attacks at the right moments.

CM: Declan Rice – 8/10

Directed play in central midfield with control and awareness. He won key duels and kept Arsenal balanced in possession.

CM: Martin Zubimendi – 6/10

Performed well for most of the match. Was caught in possession before the Tottenham goal, but he stayed composed afterwards.

RW: Bukayo Saka – 7/10

Held his width well and created space for his teammates. He played an important role even though he did not score.

AM: Eberechi Eze – 10/10

Produced a superb display in a major game. He scored before the break, added two more after half-time, and drove Arsenal forward throughout. Superb display in his first NLD.

LW: Leandro Trossard – 7.5/10

Took his goal well and caused problems down the left side. He showed once again why he is viewed as one of the league’s top wide players.

ST: Mikel Merino – 7/10

Linked play effectively and helped connect midfield and attack. He offered a strong focal point and worked hard throughout the match.

Substitutes

Noni Madueke: N/A

Ethan Nwaneri: N/A

Myles Lewis Skelly: N/A

Riccardo Calafiori is expected to be ready for Arsenal’s first league meeting with Tottenham this season, according to reports.

Fabrizio Romano shared that the defender should recover in time after leaving the Italy camp earlier than planned.

Calafiori expected to make swift return

The defender left the national team group after he felt pain in his hip. He did not feature in either match for Italy during the break.

The issue raised fear among Arsenal supporters, who worried that the defender might miss the derby on Sunday.

However, Romano’s update suggests that Calafiori will be fine for the fixture against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.

The Italian has grown into an important part of Mikel Arteta’s set up this season.

He has brought calm to the back line. He has also added balance on the left side of the defence.

Arsenal have become very strong as a team with him in the side. They have let in only five goals in eleven league matches so far, in the league.

They also remain unbeaten in the Champions League group stage and are yet to concede a goal in the competition.

Boost for Arteta amid injury concerns

News of Calafiori’s availability will be a welcome relief to Arteta. The manager is already dealing with the fitness issue suffered by Gabriel Magalhães during the break.

The Brazilian defender picked up that injury while with his national team. Calafiori’s recovery will reduce that concern for the upcoming match.

Arsenal will host Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium in a game that remains one of the most watched derbies in the league.

The match is also important for Arsenal’s push to remain near the top of the table. Arteta wants his side to maintain the momentum they built before the break.

The Gunners have played with strong focus and clear organisation in recent weeks. The possible return of a key defender will support that rhythm.

Fans will hope that both Calafiori and Gabriel can return to full training soon.

The squad needs as many fit players as possible as they move into a very busy period of the season.

The team have league matches, Champions League fixtures, and cup games lined up. A healthy defence will be vital for their goals this season.

Arsenal have received a huge triple injury boost ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur encounter after the international break.

The Gunners have struggled with numerous injury problems early on this season. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Piero Hincapié, Ben White, Christian Norgaard, and Leandro Trossard were all sidelined due to their respective injuries at some stages; thankfully, they have managed to recover and are now available.

However, Gabriel Jesus has been out since the start of this year due to a serious knee injury. On the other hand, Kai Havertz sustained a hamstring problem last year and was sidelined for the majority of the second half of last season.

The German managed to return at the beginning of this season, but having picked up a fresh injury, he has been out over the last few months. Additionally, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli have been out due to their injuries.

Now, the Express report that Jesus is edging closer towards full fitness after returning to group training, and Arsenal are planning to organise a friendly game during this international break to give him some game time.

There is even a possibility that he will be available to feature after this November international break. On the other hand, Gyokeres has a hamstring problem, but he is expected to be ready to start in the North London derby.

Injury boost

Madueke, meanwhile, is also preparing to return for the important Premier League clash against Tottenham, while Martinelli is close to returning to full fitness after remaining absent in the last few matches.

Odegaard and Havertz have stepped up their recoveries and are hoping to return before next month’s busy run of fixtures, where they will play eight games in a month.

Despite these adversities, Arsenal have enjoyed a stellar start this season, sitting at the top of the Premier League table with 26 points from 11 games. They are currently the favourites to win the league title this season.

On the other hand, the Gunners have won all four matches in the Champions League and haven’t conceded any goals, while they have reached the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal’s hopes of signing Rodrygo Goes face fresh competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who ready to offer £70 million for the Brazilian, according to Fichajes.

The north London side sees him as a key piece in attack to form a partnership with James Maddison and Xavi Simons.

The 24-year-old winger has recently become frustrated with limited playing time at Real Madrid.

Under manager Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo has seen his minutes reduced, while teammates Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono have been preferred in several matches.

Reports suggest Madrid may be open to selling the Brazilian if the right offer comes in.

Tottenham’s willingness to spend up to £70 million could force the Spanish club to consider letting him go.

Arsenal were strongly linked with Rodrygo last summer while reports continue to link him to the Emirates Stadium ahead of 2026. However, it appears the Gunners face a fierce battle with their North London rivals.

Arsenal and Spurs’ contrasting needs

Arsenal see Rodrygo as a player who could help them secure major trophies.

His experience and attacking quality would provide Mikel Arteta with an extra edge in challenging for silverware this season.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have struggled to create chances and score goals consistently.

Adding a player of Rodrygo’s quality could solve their attacking problems and provide a boost in the Premier League and other competitions.

While Arsenal’s interest remains, it is unclear how far the club are willing to go in matching a substantial offer from Spurs.

Rodrygo’s situation at Madrid continues to be delicate. Reduced minutes and strong performances from other players have created a sense of restlessness for the winger.

This has reignited speculation over a potential move away from Spain.

For Arsenal, landing a player of Rodrygo’s calibre would fit their strategy of signing established stars capable of making an immediate impact.

However, Tottenham’s strong financial backing and the lure of a key role in their squad may give them the edge in this transfer scenario.

The coming weeks are likely to reveal which club can convince Rodrygo to make the next step in his career.

Both sides are monitoring the situation carefully, aware that Madrid could be swayed by the right financial offer.