Tottenham v Arsenal: Predicted Gunners XI for North London derby

Title chasing Arsenal travel to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the first North London derby of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s side dropped their first points of the season prior to the international break when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton and Hove Albion at The Emirates.

The Gunners have therefore taken seven points from their opening three games, but Arteta will be without a number of key players for the game against Spurs.

Here, we predict the XI that he could select for the match.

Goalkeeper

It didn’t take long for David Raya to usurp Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s first choice ‘keeper when he arrived on loan from Brentford last season, and the Spaniard remains number one  year on. With Ramsdale having since departed the club, Raya remains firmly Arteta’s first choice and he will start against the Lilywhites.

Defenders

Arsenal have conceded just once so far this season – against Brighton last time out – and Arteta will hope to see his side record another clean sheet on Sunday. Ben White will therefore start at right-back, and will likely be tasked with keeping Son Heung-Min quiet.

In the centre of defence, Gabriel and William Saliba are set to start once again. The pair have formed a formidable partnership over the past coupe of years, and Arteta will be hoping that they can keep Spurs at bay on Sunday.

Saliba will partner Gabriel against Tottenham

On the left of defence, Jurrien Timber could be given another start ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Dutchman missed much of last season after being injured on the opening day of the season, but he has featured in all three of the Gunners’ matches so far this term. Takehiro Tomiyasu remains sidelined.

Midfielders

Midfield is where most of Arteta’s selection problems lie, with Declan Rice sidelined after his red card against Brighton. Martin Odegaard is also now unavailable after suffering an ankle injury whilst on international duty with Norway.

That means Thomas Partey is almost certain to start the derby, most likely alongside Jorginho. Partey has played every minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign so far, while Jorginho is yet to make an appearance having been an unused substitute on all three occasions.

Jorginho is in line for his first appearance of the season on Sunday

With Odegaard missing, Kai Havertz could be used in a ‘number 10’ role. The German often operated behind the striker during his time with Bayer Leverkusen, and Arteta could deploy him in a similar position on Sunday with very few other options available.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka played in both of England’s games during the international break but he will have little time for rest and will undoubtedly start against Tottenham on Sunday. The winger will make his 230th appearance for his boyhood club, and will be hoping to add to his tally of 59 goals.

Through the middle, Gabriel Jesus could make a timely return to action following injury. The Brazilian made a substitute appearance on the opening weekend of the season but hasn’t featured since, but he could be deployed in front of Havertz on Sunday.

Jesus has missed Arsenal’s last two games due to injury

On the left, Leandro Trossard could be given the nod ahead of Gabriel Martinelli and new signing Raheem Sterling. Trossard scored against Aston Villa before the international break, but he has never managed to establish himself as a guaranteed starter for a prolonged period of time under Arteta.