Odegaard returns, Arteta makes 3 changes | Predicted Arsenal XI vs Tottenham with £34m star dropped
Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur on the road in today’s much-anticipated Premier League clash.
The Gunners are currently just two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City after 27 games played.
The Cityzens registered a 2-1 win over Newcastle United last night. Arsenal have the chance to respond.
Mikel Arteta’s side have dropped four points in the last two matches and must return to winning ways.
Ahead of the north London derby, we anticipate three changes from the disappointing 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been an undisputed starter between the sticks for the Gunners. His poor decision in stoppage time contributed to Wolves’ dramatic equaliser. The Spaniard will be keen to make amends in goal. He will be eyeing his 14th clean sheet of the top-flight season.
There could be one change to the backline. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are nailed-on starters in the central defensive department. Piero Hincapie has been in good form this year and scored a crucial second goal against Wolves in midweek. He should continue at left-back.
However, right-back Jurrien Timber could be rested on the back of a lacklustre performance at the Molineux Stadium. The £34 million signing did not complete a single cross into the box and was guilty of losing the ball numerous times. He lost possession on 18 occasions against Wolves. It seems the right time to drop him for Ben White, who appears fully fit after an injury scare in the FA Cup fourth round.
Martin Zubimendi did not have the best of games at Wolves but he has regularly redeemed himself after tough outings. We fully expect him to leave his mark with a strong display in the north London derby. Declan Rice is poised to accompany the Spaniard in the centre of the park.
Bukayo Saka played in an unfamiliar number 10 position in midweek with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz sidelined. Eberechi Eze only came on as a substitute. Odegaard and Havertz could be involved in the derby. We are backing the former to get the nod as the attacking midfielder.
Odegaard has notched up five goal involvements in his previous eight league matches. He is coming off a minor knock to his knee, unlike Havertz, who had a muscular injury. The latter could be restricted to a bench role. In that case, Saka should move to his regular right-wing position this evening.
Noni Madueke looks poised to drop to the bench alongside Gabriel Martinelli, who had a poor outing on the left wing. The Brazilian lost possession on 24 occasions against Wolves. He won just four out of 18 duels contested and was guilty of squandering a big scoring chance at 1-0.
Leandro Trossard is fully fit after a late blow to his head. The Belgian has three goal contributions in his previous two meetings against Spurs and should get the nod on the left side of the Gunners’ attack.
Viktor Gyokeres has failed to find the net in the last two stalemates, but he should still start ahead of Gabriel Jesus due to his strong physical presence and improved hold-up play.
The Swede has eight goal involvements this year and has the chance to build his reputation with a strong showing in the derby. Jesus could replace him at the hour mark if required.
How Arsenal could line up vs Tottenham
Stats from Sofascore.com
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