Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will both look to enjoy bragging rights over their neighbors in Sunday’s North London derby.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal took four points from Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs last season and drew at the Emirates Stadium before winning 3-2 at home to their rivals, but will defy that this time around with at least some of the first team unavailable.Declan Rice is suspended following his red card against Brighton last time out, while Mikel Merino is not ready on his debut, he was injured in training.They could find themselves without captain Martin Odegaard, who is on crutches after being injured on international duty.
The midfielder limped off against Mali against Eswatini during the international break and is out of danger.Tottenham have their own injury problems going into the game, especially in the form of Yves Bissouma.
The £65m player made his debut in the opening weekend of the season but has missed the last two games with an ankle problem, while Mickey Van Dijk could also return after the defeat to Newcastle.Spurs are without striker Richarlison injured, but summer signing Dominic Solanke is likely to be available.
The return of Solanke and Van de Ven and the introduction of Rodrigo Bentancur for Bissouma were not the only changes to Spurs’ squad.There is also a chance Brennan Johnson could return to the starting line-up in place of Wilson Odobert when Postecoglou shakes up his forward line.
For Arsenal, the possibility of losing Spurs and Odegaard could force Arteta’s hand.Jorginho is likely to replace the suspended Spurs.
And Odegaard’s absence could prompt Arteta to push Kai Havertz back into midfield.With Gabriel Jesus available again,there are more options for Arteta.
The other big question is over the left side, where Leandro Trossard started last time out and could hold his place with Gabriel Martinelli and deadline day signing Raheem Sterling.One worry for Arsenal is that Riccardo Calafiori has had problems away to Italy at the back.
