Arsenal head into Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham full of confidence after winning three games in a row and with such an important match looming large, let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.
On Wednesday, the Gunners faced Wimbledon in the EFL Cup and they won that game 3-0. A repeat of that result at the Emirates is unlikely but after having lost their last two games, there are some weaknesses in this Spurs team.
There is a lot to be happy about for the hosts as they don’t have any injury concerns. Granit Xhaka will be back in contention after completing his suspension and this will allow the north Londoners to put out a strong team.
Aaron Ramsdale will return in between the posts and the Gunners should be lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The defence will see the same four that took to the field last week against Burnley.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney will start as the right-back and left-back respectively. In the centre of defence, it is going to be the pair of Ben White and Gabriel. These five will have a real challenge in keeping a clean sheet on Sunday.
With everyone back and fit, Arteta has the option of having Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey starting as the central midfielders. The latter in particular is crucial in helping the hosts breaking through the lines with his passing and vision. If these two can protect the defence, it will give the team a base to build on.
Though it is going to be a tough decision to make, Nicolas Pepe is likely to be on the bench for this game. Bukayo Saka will take his place on the right with Emile Smith Rowe on the left. And we will see Martin Odegaard playing in a central role and this trio have the talent and ability to get past the visitors’ defence.
Up front, Arsenal will be relying on the goal scoring talents of Pierre-Emile Aubameyang to get them the three points. The captain likes playing against Tottenham and if given the right kind of service, will surely find the back of the net. Winning will not be easy but the Gunners have the momentum to do so.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Tottenham (4-2-3-1):
Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
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