Arsenal host Tottenham in the first North London Derby of the season, with both teams coming into the game undefeated. Last Word on Football looks at an Arsenal predicted lineup for this hotly anticipated fixture.
[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query=”soe/arsenal” size=”350×300″ site_id=”lastwordonsports”]
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Tottenham
Arsenal Predicted Lineup: Recall for Aaron Ramsdale
The goalkeeper debate at the Emirates rages on, with David Raya starting in both of Arsenal’s most recent matches away at Everton and their Champions League win over PSV, with the Spanish goalkeeper untested in both games.
Read More: Aaron Ramsdale or David Raya: Who is the Better Arsenal Goalkeeper
Nevertheless, Ramsdale is still the Arsenal number one and has been crucial in their resurgence under Mikel Arteta in previous seasons. For this clash, expect Arteta to go with what he knows and give Ramsdale the gloves in Arsenal’s biggest game of the season so far.
Watch: ARTETA ARISES – Analysing Arsenal with Hugo Jennings
Consistency at the Back
After some tinkering with his back four in the first few matches of the campaign, Arteta has returned to the tried and tested formula of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Oleksandr Zinchenko. With two cleans in their last two games, this has to be the Gunners’ back four to give them the best chance of victory against their fierce rivals.
Fabio Vieira to Continue Fine Premier League Form
Kai Havertz had his finest game in an Arsenal shirt in their Champions League thrashing of PSV. But Fabio Vieira has made an early stake to claim the third midfield role alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odergaard that Granit Xhaka left vacant with his departure this summer.
With two assists in his three appearances in the league this season, he has to start to give Arsenal that little bit extra when it comes to breaking down the Spurs defence.
Read More: ‘I Want to be Part of That’: Romano Reveals £78 Million Rated Star Has to a Deal With Arsenal
No matter what happens on the pitch on Sunday, the best news of the week has already been delivered, with club captain Odergaard committing his long-term future to the club. This is a testament to Arsenal’s desire to stay at the elite level.
Too Soon for Gabriel Martinelli
In his pre-match presser, Arteta avoided going so far as to rule out Gabriel Martinelli from being involved in the clash on Sunday. However, any question that the Brazilian may start have been all but put to bed with the recent form of Leandro Trossard.
With two goals in two games, even a fully fit Martinelli would not displace the Belgium star, who seems to have hit a purple patch for Arteta’s side. Gabriel Jesus has to start down the middle after contributing with a goal against PSV, and Bukayo Saka’s place on the right wing appears set in stone.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Tactics
After a slow start to the season, Arsenal now appear in full flow with the fluidity of last season apparent. Zinchenko will continue to create the overload in midfield, freeing up Odegaard to cause havoc in attacking areas. His passing and shooting accuracy should be the difference between the two unbeaten sides on Sunday.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey are still a way off, returning to the side soon. Fans favourite Mohamed Elneny was back on the bench recently – providing a welcome return for a man who has been out of action since January.
The main miss is undoubtedly Martinelli, who has been vital to this Arteta revolution. Gunners’ fans can be grateful that the injury is not as serious as first feared and expect him to make an impact from the bench if needed.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Odergaard, Vieira, Saka, Jesus, Trossard.
