Arsenal predicted lineup vs Tottenham: Lokonga & White?

Arsenal take on Tottenham in the capital and the concept of this being a friendly has been lost on everyone. It’s the North London Derby. What on earth is a ‘friendly’?

While it’s been a mostly enjoyable pre-season barring a few early results, defeat to Chelsea last time out was a unfortunate way to kick-off the final stages of preparation ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser.

Throw in Thomas Partey’s extremely unwelcome ankle injury and the mood in and around Arsenal took a hit with transfers in and out yet to be concluded in volume. The Ghanaian had been one of the bright notes of the summer, looking sharp, commanding and in fine fettle.

His absence will be keenly felt on Sunday when Mikel Arteta takes his side four miles north for the first meeting with Spurs since they appointed Nuno Espirito Santo earlier in the summer.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Tottenham: Albert Sambi Lokonga & Ben White to start in final Mind Series fixture on Sunday?

Without victory away against our bitter rivals in seven visits – including White Hart Lane, Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – victory would be hugely welcome for a multitude of reasons: lifting the mood, sticking it to them and ending an away hoodoo.

What team will Arteta select to secure the bragging rights?

Given that there are just four full days following Sunday ahead of the journey to west London to face Brentford, it may be that the boss opts for a strong side from the outset with a view to selecting a similar side on August 13.

Multiple changes can occur in the second half and giving those who start the chance to form some level of cohesion against Premier League opposition feels like the right course of action.

Is it what Arteta will plump for? Here’s our predicted lineup.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – Looked especially flimsy using his feet against Chelsea which begs the question further why Arsenal aren’t pursuing someone of Andre Onana’s ilk and instead scouting a goalkeeper who isn’t known for his distribution. Leno is the number one though, and will keep his place.

Calum Chambers (RB) – Arsenal’s starting right-back for the coming season, as it stands, should get the nod and will have his work cut out dealing with the ever-threatening Heung-min Son.

Ben White (CB) – This is the change most will be pining for. After getting a 45 minute run out against Chelsea and making three goal line clearances, it’s evident he’s ready for a start and even just staying on for the first period will be enough convincing he will start against the Bees.

Pablo Mari (CB) – Unless Arteta fancies using Sead Kolasinac in this position there is nobody else to choose from. Mari will need more awareness from his midfielders so as not to leave him so exposed as happened against Chelsea.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Anybody fancy placing a bet on Tierney dishing out a nice meaty challenge early on to set the one?