Arsenal predicted lineup vs Totteham: Must-win North London Derby

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PIRAEUS, GREECE – MARCH 11: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg match between Olympiacos and Arsenal at Karaiskakis Stadium on March 11, 2021 in Piraeus, Greece. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) – Withdrawn early in the second half against Olympiacos, the Ghanaian will be fresh and ready for Sunday. Thomas Partey has been key in many of our big games this season. He’s starting to form a real flowing partnership in our midfield, and his press-resistance will be especially key to breaking up Spurs’ aggression off the ball.

Furthermore, if he can restrict Spurs’ transition play through Kane, Arsenal are likely to be able to gain a decent advantage in possession.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Our unstoppable Swiss will start, as he always does. He tends to really bring his A-game against Tottenham, and this Sunday will be no different. He bounced back from his catastrophic error against Burnley at the midweek, and will likely be key to our transition play on Sunday. In addition, his defensive acumen has grown in leaps and bounds this season, and his tackling as well. He’s a must-start.

Emile Smith Rowe (CAM) – He’s finally healthy, and he’ll likely grab a starting berth against Spurs. Martin Ødegaard has grown into his own recently, but we need a player who will run the hard yards, and Smith Rowe epitomizes that. His biggest creative asset is his movement, just as Ødegaard’s is his distribution. It’s honestly a toss-up, but I reckon Smith Rowe will start, especially given who will start ahead of him.

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