Arsenal travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby this weekend with both teams aiming to bounce back from disappointments before the international break.
Mikel Areta’s men dropped points for the first time this season against Brighton at the Emirates, following a costly – and controversial – red card for Declan Rice.
The ten men surrendered the lead handed to them by Kai Havertz, with Joao Pedro’s equaliser for Brighton leaving Arsenal with early ground to make up on the pacesetters.
Arsenal XI vs Spurs – Predicted lineup and team news
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta is facing a midfield crisis ahead of Sunday’s showdown with their North London neighbours. Declan Rice will miss the game through suspension following his red card in the draw with Brighton before the break.
The England international was sent off early into the second half at the Emirates, after being adjudged to have delayed the restart by nudging the ball away from Joel Veltman as the Brighton defender prepared to take a set-piece. Having already been cautioned, Rice was dismissed.
Arsenal’s issues piled up during the international break. Martin Odegaard limped off with an ankle injury during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria on Monday night and was pictured on crutches following the clash. The Norwegian is a major doubt for the North London derby in what is another big blow to Arsenal’s hopes. The Gunners are already without Mikel Merino, after the summer signing suffered a fracture to his shoulder in training last month.
With Declan Rice suspended, Mikel Merino injured and Martin Odegaard a doubt, who will make up Arsenal’s midfield in the north London derby on Sunday? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/4NFo5MNbPz
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 10, 2024
Elsewhere, fellow recruit Riccardo Calafiori was forced off during Italy’s clash with France. Calafiori injured his calf in a freak collision with Ousmane Dembele and returned to Arsenal early for assessment. There is better news on Gabriel Jesus, however, who has been recovering from a hamstring complaint during the international break.
Arsenal predicted line up
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Jorginho, Partey, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
When do Arsenal play Spurs?
Arsenal travel to face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday September 15th. Kick-off is at 14:00 (BST).
What TV channel is Spurs vs Arsenal on?
The North London derby will be shown live on Sky Sports to a UK audience.
