Arsenal will aim to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League season when they visit Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday for the latest edition of the North London Derby. Despite a strong beginning to the campaign, Arsenal finds itself two points behind four-time defending league champion Manchester City, following a 1-1 home draw against Brighton two weeks ago. This derby, therefore, is not just a battle for local pride but could also have implications for the title race.
Arsenal’s Line-Up Changes
Captaincy and Midfield Adjustments:
Mikel Arteta has made significant changes to Arsenal’s starting line-up for this crucial match. Jorginho steps in as captain, taking on a central role in the midfield in the absence of Declan Rice, who is serving a one-match suspension due to a red card received against Brighton. Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal’s regular captain, is also sidelined with an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Norway.
Injuries and Absentees:
Arsenal will miss the services of Riccardo Calafiori, who returns from international duty with a calf injury, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is also out with a similar issue. Despite these setbacks, Gabriel Jesus makes his return to the squad after missing two games, offering Arteta an important attacking option from the bench. Raheem Sterling and Neto, who joined Arsenal on deadline day, are also available and add further depth to the squad.
Arsenal Line-Up (Possible 4-1-2-3 Formation):
- Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Jorginho; Partey, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
- Bench: Neto, Gabriel Jesus, Kiwior, Sterling, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Kacurri, Kabia, Heaven.
Tottenham’s Line-Up and Injury Updates
Returning Players:
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has welcomed back Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven to the starting line-up after their injury-enforced absence. Brennan Johnson also returns to bolster Spurs’ attacking options.
Injuries and Absentees:
Tottenham will be without Yves Bissouma, who picked up an injury while on international duty with Mali. Richarlison remains sidelined with an ongoing issue. The return of Solanke and the continued form of Heung-Min Son, who has scored twice already this season, are positive signs for Spurs.
Tottenham Line-Up (4-1-2-3 Formation):
- Starting XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur; Kulusevski, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
- Bench: Forster, Dragusin, Gray, Bergvall, Werner, Spence, Odobert, Sarr, Davies.
Match Preview
Mikel Arteta is keen to keep the pressure in check, acknowledging the significance of the derby while emphasizing a day-by-day approach. “Day by day,” Arteta said of his team’s outlook. “If we look at where we’re going to be at the end of May, tomorrow’s game that we have to play and the level and the challenges ahead, we cannot think like this. We’re going to run out of oxygen. I want to have the energy, the enthusiasm for the next day, the next game and prepare that in the best possible way and that’s what we’re going to do,” he explained.
Arsenal has had a strong record in recent away matches against Tottenham, including a thrilling 3-2 victory in April that extended their title challenge. However, Arteta’s squad will be tested as they cope with the absence of key midfielders.
For Postecoglou, securing a first victory over Arsenal is crucial not only for the club’s supporters but also for his ambitions with Spurs. “Not specifically Arsenal, we want to be a club that can challenge everyone,” Postecoglou said. “That’s what we are trying to aim to become. To do that, you’ve got to perform at a certain level, on a consistent basis. The squad’s strong enough to do that,” he added.
With key players returning for both sides, including the potential for Dominic Solanke’s comeback and Heung-Min Son’s impressive start to the season, this North London Derby promises to be an exciting and pivotal fixture in the Premier League season.