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Arsenal may have got one over Tottenham Hotspur before the North London Derby.

The two sides are scheduled to face each other on Sunday in what is a huge game. Both Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou will be going for the win, and any other result will be viewed as a disappointing one.

All eyes are on what will happen in the derby, but the Gunners have reportedly done something that cost Spurs the chance of signing one of their top targets.

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Tottenham fear Arsenal have ‘hijacked’ Eberechi Eze deal

Eberechi Eze was widely expected to leave Crystal Palace for a bigger club in the summer.

The England international had a terrific 2023/24 season. He scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 31 appearances, which is a stunning return considering Palace were really poor for over half the campaign.

Eze was heavily linked with a move to a number of clubs in the summer, but Tottenham seemed like the favourites to land him.

Football Transfers reveal that Eze and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy even had a gentleman’s agreement over a move to Tottenham. The versatile attacker was also invited to last season’s North London Derby as a guest.

Just as it seemed like Eze to Spurs would be done without any trouble, the report claims that there was a ‘sudden twist’.

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The player’s representatives reportedly ‘informed Postecoglou’s side that their rivals had made contact with the England international, urging him to put the move on hold and reassess his options before making a final decision’.

The Gunners are believed to be that club, and the outlet reveals that Tottenham now ‘fear Arsenal have hijacked’ the Eze deal.

The Crystal Palace star is protected by a release clause worth £68 million including add-ons (Daily Mail), and that will become active in next summer’s transfer window.

Who Eze will replace at Arsenal if Mikel Arteta signs him

Eze is a fantastic player.

The 26-year-old is great on the ball, is a brilliant dribbler and the way he just glides past defenders is just a joy to watch. The fact that he’s extremely versatile and can consistently score goals and provide assists makes him a really attractive option.

The report claims that Arteta really likes Eze’s profile, and the Palace star has been suggested as a replacement for Raheem Sterling in 2025.

The Chelsea man is expected to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of his loan spell, and Eze would be a great option to replace him at the Emirates.

If this happens, we’re sure it will really annoy Tottenham fans.

Arsenal could be without several key players for the North London derby this weekend, but the same cannot be said of their opponents Tottenham Hotspur.

Mikel Arteta could be without his entire first-choice midfield, but he has not yet ruled out Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

Arteta has revealed that Gabriel Jesus could return, but with Declan Rice absent, it is a severely depleted squad that will head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the North London derby.

It is a different story for the Spurs, as despite suffering a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in their final game before the international break, they have now been handed a double boost over two previously injured players.

Tottenham handed double injury boost ahead of North London derby clash with Arsenal

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou revealed that injured pair Micky Van de Ven and Dominic Solanke could now return to face Arsenal.

“It’s fairly positive…Micky’s good, he’s trained all the way through the international break and it was good for him to stay with us to build him back up so he’s ready to go,” he stated.

“Dom’s improved as well and trained the back half of this week. We still have two days to go with those guys so hopefully they get through training ok and are available.”

Postecoglou did reveal that attacker Richarlison is still absent, but Spurs have nevertheless been handed two huge boosts ahead of Arsenal’s trip across North London.

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Arsenal must be wary of Spurs threat

Arsenal will be aware of the boost Spurs will receive from having both players back. Van de Ven is arguably their best defender, and his speed will be crucial for them as they attempt to keep Arsenal at bay.

Solanke is their record signing, but whilst he has never beaten Arsenal or even scored against them, he will still provide a lot of danger in the air, and centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will have to be at their best to shut out the home side.

Spurs receiving positive injury news whilst Arsenal could be suffering from a crisis is not ideal preparation, but Arteta will still be confident that his side can secure a third straight victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arsenal are waiting to see whether captain Martin Odegaard will be available to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

Mikel Arteta already had to deal with the suspension of Declan Rice, and an injury to new signing Mikel Merino, but was handed an extra headache as Odegaard picked up an injury during the International break.

It has been suggested that Odegaard’s injury could keep him out for three weeks, which would mean he misses trips to face Spurs and Manchester City, in a disastrous blow.

However, the midfielder has not been completely ruled out yet, and Arteta has now given a promising update on his injury.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that Odegaard needs to undergo more tests before he be included or ruled out of the North London Derby.

“We need some more tests. Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. This afternoon probably. Let’s see the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back. He is super positive about everything. Martin wants to be there every single day, but we have to wait and see,” Arteta stated.

“I leave that to the doctor. He’s willing and he wants to be present in every game. We need to make sure we know first how good he is or not.”

Arteta then refused to rule Odegaard out of contention.

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“Players with 48 hours [before the game] are always available. Let’s see what happens,” he added.

Can Martin Odegaard start for Arsenal at Tottenham?

Odegaard may not have been ruled out of contention yet, but the unfortunate reality for Arsenal is that he is unlikely to be able to start even if passed fit.

His injury, which saw him painfully twist his ankle, meant that he needed crutches to walk earlier this week. Even if his injury is not serious, the swelling around it will mean that he is not at full fitness even if available.

Given that Arsenal also have a trip to Man City coming up next week, they may benefit from Odegaard being given additional time to fully recover, even though he will be a huge loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arsenal’s fourth game of the 2024/25 season is the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners will be desperate to get back to winning ways after drawing against Brighton and Hove Albion in controversial fashion just before the international break.

The clash against Spurs is always a big one, and Arsenal have almost always been the favourites in this fixture. However, the derby on Sunday could be more evenly balanced.

That’s because seven Arsenal players could be ruled out of the game against Tottenham, which makes them weaker.

However, Mikel Arteta still has many top-class players available at his disposal for the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Why Leandro Trossard is more likely to start than Raheem Sterling for Arsenal vs Tottenham

Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard for an initial £20 million in January 2023, and he has been one of the best value-for-money signings in recent years.

The Belgian has been a super-sub of sorts for the Gunners on many occasions, but he definitely has the quality to start and have an impact as well.

Against Tottenham on Sunday, Arsenal will likely be without Martin Odegaard, so that opens the door for another attacker to come in.

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GiveMeSport claim that Trossard is a candidate to start in the North London Derby, and the report reveals that he is ‘more likely’ to get the nod than Raheem Sterling.

The Englishman is in line to make his Arsenal debut on Sunday, but it has been claimed that Trossard’s ‘understanding of the team and the system’ puts him ahead in the pecking order.

The former Brighton man is a terrific footballer, and he definitely has the ability to hurt Tottenham if he starts this weekend.

How Arsenal can use both Sterling and Trossard in the same team

Both Sterling and Trossard are incredibly versatile players – they can play anywhere in the front three and the Belgian can even play in midfield.

Cesc Fabregas urged Arteta to use Trossard in Martin Odegaard’s position in the North London Derby, and we think that makes a lot of sense.

The Belgian can interchange positions with Havertz up top, and if they get their movements right, they could cause Tottenham all sorts of problems.

If Trossard starts as Arsenal’s number 10, that opens the door for Sterling to play on the left flank. His pace could really hurt Spurs and he could become an instant hero on Sunday.

Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby in what is a massive game for both clubs.

The Gunners are challenging for the Premier League title, and almost every fixture is a must-win. They dropped points against Brighton before the international break, which was not ideal at all.

That puts more pressure on Mikel Arteta to get a result in the North London Derby, but Arsenal could be without seven players for the game at Tottenham.

Declan Rice is suspended after his red card against Brighton, while Martin Odegaard is likely to be ruled out for a month due to his ankle injury.

Arteta has a few selection headaches going into the derby now.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Tottenham for the North London Derby

Injuries and Rice’s suspension have put Arsenal in a really difficult position, but the Gunners still have enough firepower to get the job done against Tottenham.

David Raya will continue in goal behind Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Arteta has a few options at left-back, but we think he will go with Jurrien Timber.

In midfield, we expect Thomas Partey and Jorginho to start together for the first time ever, and they have huge Rice-sized boots to fill.

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Odegaard’s injury is a massive blow for the Gunners, especially as Arteta decided to sell Emile Smith Rowe and loan out Fabio Vieira in the summer.

Ethan Nwaneri is an option to replace Odegaard, but we think this game is a bit too early for him. So, we expect Arteta to go with Leandro Trossard there.

Bukayo Saka is a guaranteed starter on the right wing, while Kai Havertz is likely to lead the line again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

On the left, we expect Raheem Sterling to get his debut, and his pace could cause Tottenham’s high-line all sorts of problems on Sunday.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Tottenham: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Jorginho, Partey, Trossard, Saka, Havertz, Sterling.

As we mentioned above, as many as seven Arsenal players could be ruled out of the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Rice is suspended, so he’s definitely out, while Odegaard’s nasty ankle injury is expected to keep him on the sidelines for a few weeks.

Riccardo Calafiori is a big doubt having suffered a calf issue while on international duty, while Gabriel Jesus could also miss the game due to the groin issue that has kept him out since after the first game of the season.

The long-term absentees, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, are both expected to be out for the derby on Sunday as well.

The odds are definitely against Arsenal, but if they take their chances against Spurs, there is every chance Arteta will come away with a win.

Arsenal will have to make changes when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Arsenal will be missing a number of key players when the North London Derby rolls around this weekend.

Mikel Arteta is having to contend with something of an injury crisis at this time. The Spanish coach’s options are particularly depleted in the middle of the park.

Declan Rice is suspended for the visit to Spurs, having been sent off controversially in the Gunners’ draw against Brighton last time out. The decision to dismiss Rice has been criticised, but the fact remains that Arteta will still be without the England international this weekend.

On top of that, Martin Odegaard has also been sidelined. The Norwegian playmaker picked up an injury whilst on international duty. Odegaard was pictured using crutches as he prepared to return to North London for further tests.

Furthermore, Mikel Merino is also out of action. The summer signing picked up an injury in his first Arsenal training session, as he damaged his shoulder. He will not be fit in time to make his debut in a North London Derby.

These absences have left Arteta with a puzzle to solve in the middle of the park.

Jorginho and Thomas Partey could record Arsenal first

Two alternatives that the Spanish coach may turn to are Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

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Partey has been in the side this season, though Jorginho is yet to play a minute of Premier League football in the current campaign.

However, Arteta certainly has faith in Jorginho and has called upon the Italian veteran for big matches against top opposition before. With all of his nous and experience, the former Chelsea man ought to be able to slot into the side against Spurs with a minimum of fuss.

If Jorginho does come into the Arsenal starting XI, joining Partey in the midfield unit, then it will be the first time that the duo have ever started a match together in that part of the pitch.

The only other Arsenal games that both Partey and Jorginho have started both came in May 2023, against Nottingham Forest and Wolves, when the Ghanaian was used at right-back.

Mikel Arteta’s other options against Tottenham Hotspur

Beyond bringing Partey and Jorginho into the side, who could have their lack of pace and mobility exposed, Arteta does have other options to consider.

Hale End academy wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri could be handed his first start. But it would certainly be a risk to throw the teenager in at the deep end in such a fixture.

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has taken aim at Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the North London Derby.

Arsenal will face off against their North London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash on Sunday.

The Gunners will have big ambitions for this season. Having finished as runners up behind Manchester City in each of the last two campaigns, Mikel Arteta will be desperate to beat them to the Premier League title this time around.

However, Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions have made an ominously strong start to the new season. Such is the standard being set at the top of the table now, Arsenal can scarcely afford to slip up at all.

Whilst it is still very early in the campaign, Tottenham will be eager to dent the Gunners’ title hopes. They will also feel booted by the injury crisis that Arteta is currently contending with.

Arsenal will be without several key players against Spurs. Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Merino are all out of action, and there are concerns surrounding other players too.

Cesc Fabregas gives verdict on the meaning of Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

Despite these factors, former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas believes that it is imperative that the Gunners win on Sunday.

He has even claimed that a victory would mean more to Arsenal than it would Spurs.

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Speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast, the Spaniard said: “It’s still early, but I think it’s a bigger game for Arsenal. Arsenal need to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City to win the league this year, it’s their third year straight trying to win it properly.”

Fabregas couldn’t resist firing a jibe at Tottenham, highlighting the fact that they aren’t expected to compete for major honours, as he added: “With all due respect, and I am being serious, if Tottenham loses, or they finish fifth or sixth… It won’t be seen as such a failure as if Arsenal doesn’t manage to win the league this year, finally, because they are so close.

“For Arsenal, it’s a much bigger game.”

What losing the North London Derby would mean for Arsenal

The destiny of the Premier League title will not be decided on Sunday.

However, a defeat would certainly strike a hefty blow against Arsenal’s confidence, and considering that they are up against Manchester City in their following Premier League fixture it could be just part one of a painful double strike.

However, if the Gunners can come out of this North London Derby with a positive result, despite the hurdles they shall have to overcome, then that would give Arteta’s squad an enormous confidence boost.

Arsenal icon Perry Groves has advised Mikel Arteta about who should replace Martin Odegaard in the North London derby.

Arguably the biggest fixture in Arsenal’s calendar comes next for Arteta’s side as the Gunners head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to battle Spurs.

The North London derby is one of the most exciting fixtures that the Premier League has to offer, with all eyes set to be on N17 on match day four.

While Arteta will look forward to the thrills of the rivalry, the manager has a lot of squad issues to solve before kick-off, several of which coming in midfield.

Perry Groves says Leandro Trossard can replace Martin Odegaard v Spurs

One of Arsenal’s biggest concerns comes as a result of captain Martin Odegaard’s injury.

Odegaard could miss three weeks due to an injury he picked up on international duty during Norway’s win over Austria.

While the severity of the injury remains unclear, it looks as though Arteta will have to plan for the North London derby without Arsenal’s key creator.

It’s a huge blow for the Gunners, but isn’t something that should be too complicated for the boss to solve, as per the beliefs of club icon Perry Groves.

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Cesc Fabregas called on Leandro Trossard to replace Odegaard, an opinion that Groves shared when speaking on talkSPORT.

“Arteta needs someone in the Odegaard position who can be the orchestrator, I’d like to see Trossard in there,” Groves explained.

“I think he can play that role, I think he’s technically good enough.”

Trossard is one of Arsenal’s more technically gifted players, with a skill set that is transferable to a range of positions

As a result, the Belgian could be a contender to fill the void left by Odegaard, which could open a vacancy on the left flank.

Trossard could be Arsenal’s secret weapon

Signing Trossard for just £27m from Brighton in 2023 was a huge success for Arteta and Edu.

The Belgium international is one of Arsenal’s most reliable assets in front of goal, being the club’s third-highest goalscorer in the Premier League last term.

Trossard’s scoring record is all the more impressive considering that he secured only 18 starts last season, netting 12 goals to follow closely behind Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in the scoring charts.

For the nimble winger’s creativity and efficiency in the final third, Groves’ opinion could be something for Arteta to consider, with Trossard certainly having a match-defining moment in his locker.

Ian Wright and Roy Keane have now given their verdict on how Sunday’s North London Derby will play out.

Arsenal will travel to take on their fierce local rivals Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

There is always a great deal of pressure and anxiety that comes with the North London Derby, such is the scale of the animosity between the two neighbouring clubs. With bragging rights on the line, it is a match that both sets of fans are desperate to win.

Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoying a recent period of dominance over Spurs. However, Sunday’s fixture now represents a major challenge for the Gunners.

Arsenal will be without many key players for this match. Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino will all be unavailable on Sunday, meaning that Arteta will have to name a makeshift midfield.

Arteta can still name a strong starting XI against Tottenham, but the Gunners’ bench will be significantly weakened, and there will certainly be a measure on unfamiliarity in the team.

Ian Wright and Roy Keane make Arsenal vs Spurs prediction

Ian Wright is concerned that these absences could be the Gunners’ undoing. The Arsenal legend has admitted that he does not expect Arteta’s side to win.

On the Stick to Football podcast, Wright and Roy Keane were tasked with working as a team to predict the result of this match.

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Speaking for the both of them, Wright said: “It is the best derby… We’re going to go 2-2.”

He then continued to explain his stance: “If we go there and get the point this week, and I’m not being negative, with what we’ve got missing I think that’s a good point.”

Are Tottenham the favourites against Arsenal?

Spurs will certainly sense a golden opportunity now exists for them to claim a win over the Gunners. However, the Arsenal defence has proven itself to be formidable. The likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and David Raya will back themselves to be able to keep Tottenham at bay.

Martin Keown believes Arsenal are ahead of Tottenham, and the fact that they have finished significantly ahead of Spurs in each of the last two Premier League campaigns only serves to support that point.

The playing field has been somewhat levelled this weekend, though, due to injuries and suspension. Given these factors, the home side will fancy their chances against the Gunners this time around.

The North London derby is upon us, and Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fans can’t wait for the game.

The Gunners have some big problems going into the derby – as many as seven Arsenal players could be unavailable for the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Declan Rice is suspended, while it is expected that Martin Odegaard will be out for a month due to the ankle injury he picked up while on international duty.

That gives Tottenham a huge chance on Sunday, and Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have revealed their predictions for the game.

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher predict Tottenham vs Arsenal result

Arsenal have a terrific recent record against Tottenham.

The Gunners are unbeaten in each of their last four North London Derbies and have lost just one of their last seven games against Spurs.

That, combined with the fact that they are the better team and are challenging for the title, made them the favourites to win the game a few days ago.

Even Tottenham fans believe Arsenal will win despite Odegaard’s injury.

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However, Carragher and Neville both believe that Rice and Odegaard’s absence will hurt Arsenal, which is why they have predicted a 1-1 draw.

While speaking about the derby on the Stick to Football podcast, Carragher said: “I think that Tottenham will dominate the game but Arsenal’s defence will make sure they get something from the game.”

Neville added: “I just think Arsenal have got a couple of players out, big players, Declan Rice and Odegaard, probably, so I think that will harm them. They are massive players for Arsenal.”

Both Carragher and Neville then said: “1-1!”

What Arsenal need to do to beat Tottenham

When everyone is fit, Arsenal are undoubtedly the better side and are a level or two above Tottenham.

However, with Odegaard and Rice out of the game and Riccardo Calafiori a doubt following his injury, Spurs will feel confident of getting a result.

However, Tottenham’s defence is still not great, and if Arsenal can take their chances, we truly believe they can win the North London Derby again on Sunday.

It will be interesting to see the team Arteta will pick for the derby. We’re sure he will go for the win despite all the injuries.