Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will be looking to shake off their disappointing draw against Brighton last time out when they return to action against Spurs.
The Gunners are aiming to make it three away wins on the bounce at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Arteta’s preparations were rocked when Martin Odegaard picked up an injury on international duty during the week.
It’s left Arteta scratching his head looking for a solution in midfield, given Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are also set to miss the clash.
Goalkeeper: Raya
The only constant in Arsenal’s team at the moment, David Raya will start between the sticks for the visitors.
Although having shipped two goals away to Spurs last season, the Spaniard will be hoping for a more convincing afternoon this weekend.
Defence: White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber
Despite the injury crisis in front of the defence, Arteta should still be able to select a first-choice backline.
William Saliba returned injury-free from international duty, while regular partner Gabriel is also fit and firing to go.
Getting hurt playing for his country isn’t something Ben White has to worry about at the moment, with the Englishman set to start in his usual spot on the right-hand side of defence.
Leaving left-back the only spot left to fill – a position Jurrien Timber is expected to occupy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Midfield: Jorginho, Partey, Havertz
Speculation on social media has been rife this week about the possible routes Arteta might go down to fix Arsenal’s midfield problem, with talk teenager Ethan Nwaneri could be handed his first-ever Premier League start.
But given the magnitude of the contest, we’re predicting Arteta sticks with his (albeit limited) tried and tested options, starting with a double pivot of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Partey has started all three Premier League games this season so could be considered a shoo-in already, while Champions League and European Championship winner Jorginho has the experience to handle the biggest of stages.
As for the final spot in Arteta’s midfield three, we’re predicting that goes to Kai Havertz.
Attack: Saka, Trossard, Sterling
The only certainty in attack for Arsenal, should he stay fit, is Bukayo Saka, with the winger having scored in both home and away fixtures last season.
Operating down the middle, given Havertz is in the No.10 role, could end up being Leonardo Trossard, who deputised in that position at times last season.
Finally then, what better way for Raheem Sterling to mark his Arsenal arrival than having a say in the north London derby.
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Partey, Jorginho, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Sterling
