Arsenal travel to Tottenham Hotspur on January 15 in the hope of securing another statement victory over their rivals to continue their surprising title challenge this season. Read on for Last Word on Football’s Arsenal predicted lineup for the North London derby.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Tottenham in Huge Derby Day Battle
Gabi 🤝 Fabio pic.twitter.com/nzhwYFs25J
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 13, 2023
How Arsenal Have Lined-up Recently
As he has done throughout the 2022/23 campaign, Aaron Ramsdale has been between the sticks for the Gunners in recent weeks, protected by the trusted partnership of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in front of him. Benjamin White has continued his fine form as a revolutionised right-back, whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned from his injury at left-back.
A midfield three of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard has been a go-to for Mikel Arteta this season, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka providing width from the left and right flank respectively. Upfront has seen a change in personnel, as Eddie Nketiah has been deputising in the absence of Gabriel Jesus as a result of the latter’s long-term injury.
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Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
The Gunners come into this game in excellent form, having won four out of their last five fixtures in all competitions. The one game they failed to win ended in a 0-0 draw at home against Newcastle United, and whilst disappointing, it wasn’t the worst result possible given the Magpies’ form this season.
Arsenal’s fluid style of football sees plenty of rotation within the lineup throughout the game. The most common of which see Granit Xhaka, playing in a more advanced role, pushing forward, which allows Zinchenko to occupy the space he leaves in midfield. This enables Arsenal to both recycle possession quickly as they have more bodies in the middle of the pitch, and also break up the opposition’s attacks more effectively.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Of course, there is Jesus, who absolutely will not feature in this game. However, Arsenal fans will be more concerned with the fitness of Saka, who was forced off in the second half against Oxford United in the Gunners’ 3-0 FA Cup win. When questioned on the winger’s availability for the game, Arteta replied: “I think he will be ok.” Arsenal fans likely would have wanted a more convincing answer from the Spaniard, however, it is very likely that he simply didn’t want to give too much away.
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Some definite good news for the Gunners though is the return of fan-favourite Emile Smith Rowe, who after making his return after four months out against Oxford United, will more than likely be available from the bench again in this game.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
- Aaron Ramsdale
- Benjamin White
- William Saliba
- Gabriel Magalhaes
- Oleksandr Zinchenko
- Thomas Partey
- Granit Xhaka
- Martin Odegaard
- Bukayo Saka
- Eddie Nketiah
- Gabriel Martinelli
