Arsenal will take on Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s north London derby on the road.
The Gunners played out a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in their previous game at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz scored the opener after 38 minutes but the Seagulls made a comeback after Declan Rice’s red card to earn a point, with Joao Pedro netting the leveller.
The draw was a blow to their Premier League title aspirations, and now Mikel Arteta’s men will be very keen to return to winning ways at the expense of their bitter rivals Spurs.
Predicted Arsenal starting XI vs Tottenham
David Raya, who completed his permanent switch to Arsenal this summer, will continue as their first-choice goalkeeper on Sunday.
In front of the Spaniard, manager Mikel Arteta should feature the same backline that played last time against Brighton, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in central defence while Ben White and Jurrien Timber continuing from the right-back and left-back positions.
There might have been some changes if newcomer Riccardo Calafiori hadn’t picked up a knock during the international break. The Italian’s injury is not thought to be serious, but he is likely to be absent this weekend.
In midfield, the Gunners will not have the services of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Rice will be serving his suspension while Odegaard has hurt his ankle during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria.
Therefore, Arteta is expected to start Jorginho who is yet to play a single minute so far this campaign. Thomas Partey should retain his starting spot while Havertz, who has been leading the attack so far, will likely play in midfield.
Further forward, Bukayo Saka will feature on the right wing. The England international has made a positive start to the new season, making four goal contributions in three Premier League starts so far.
Raheem Sterling, who completed his loan move to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day, is likely to be in action this weekend as he may start on the left wing. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard should lead the attack against Spurs.
Predicted XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel. Timber, Jorginho, Partey, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Sterling
