Mikel Arteta jokes that he has no memories of the last time Arsenal played Tottenham Hotpsur at this stage of the season. That night the Gunners were battling for Champions League qualification. This time around the stakes are even bigger
The Premier League title could be in the offing if Arsenal are able to get three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That’s something they’ve only managed once before though.
It’s absolutely crucial that Arteta gets his team selection spot on. Thankfully for him football.london ‘s Arsenal writers are on hand to decide who they think should start this all important North London Derby.
Cash O’Sullivan – Multimedia editor
The last time we had a North London Derby at this time of the season it was quite the disaster for Arsenal. Things could not be more different this time though as the Gunners are chasing their first league title in 20 years and Spurs are facing a tough task to snatch 4th place from Aston Villa’s clutches.
In the time since Tottenham last played Arsenal have played four games and the latest one, the 5-0 trouncing of Chelsea, seems to be the winning formula in terms of balance. Whilst the Lilywhites may be well rested, at this stage of the season such a break could potentially put them out of rhythm and they may find themselves flat footed despite the grandeur of the occasion.
Mikel Arteta has some easy choices to make in my opinion and I would not change anything from that thrashing in mid-week. Thomas Partey looked at his line-breaking best and allowed Martin Odegaard to drop one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt, and Declan Rice wasn’t half bad either.
Takehiro Tomiyasu offers much more stability at the back than Oleksandr Zinchenko and there’s no argument for changing the other three at the back, nor the front three after Tuesday’s performance.
The Gunners looked like they gained a second wind against Chelsea, and they’ll need all the puff they can muster in what will be an absolute cauldron of noise at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
O’Sullivan’s Arsenal XI vs Tottenham – Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Saka, Havertz.
Kaya Kaynak – Chief Arsenal correspondent
If I were Mikel Arteta I’d be looking to keep as much continuity as possible from the 5-0 victory over Chelsea. That means that Takehiro Tomiyasu continues at left back. The rest of the back four and goalkeeper isn’t really up for debate.
In midfield I’m looking to make one small change. With the spaces Tottenham leave in behind I think Jorginho could be the man with the composure to pick them apart. It’s harsh on Thomas Partey but the Ghanaian still has a role to play this season.
In the forward line I think I’m keeping Leandro Trossard in the side. The Belgian has four goals in his last six matches and deserves the nod ahead of Gabriel Martinelli.
Meanwhile I think you can’t really leave Kai Havertz out of the side so he gets in ahead of Gabriel Jesus. Bukayo Saka has a superb record of four goals and assists in his last five North London Derbies, so he has to play.
Kaynak’s Arsenal XI vs Tottenham – Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Jorginho, Odegaard, Rice; Saka. Havertz, Trossard.
