3 Arsenal players to potentially come in for the North London derby

This year’s North London derby has all the makings of an all-time classic. Table toppers Arsenal against third-placed Tottenham. The beautiful expression of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners against the defensive grit of Antonio Conte’s Lilywhites. Players in red against those in white.

Despite losing their big game against Manchester United, Arsenal have impressed the masses this season by asserting total control in the vast majority of their matches. Their pressing is intense and they’re capable of suffocating their opponents into their defensive third for prolonged periods. A derby comes with several difficulties but Arsenal can be confident going into the match.

The only thing that may slightly temper this confidence are the ongoing injury troubles of several key players. Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey make up part of the list of concerns. However, the bench this season looks stronger and Arteta can bring in other players without losing quality if needed.

3 Arsenal players to potentially come in for the North London derby

Here are three players that could potentially come in for the North London derby.

1. Albert Sambi Lokonga

With the start of the second week of the international break came the Thomas Partey news. Originally poised to play in some meaningless friendlies, Partey felt something in his knee and pulled out of the Ghana squad to return to London Colney. There are hopes that his most recent injury is not too serious but if it is, Albert Sambi Lokonga could take his spot in the starting lineup against Tottenham.

Lokonga has played a handful of games this season and has looked at home much of the time. He possesses a similar physical profile to Partey, boasting both height and athleticism. He can turn and progress the ball through a wide range of passing. He has, however, shown his inexperience in defending.

Against Manchester United, Lokonga was caught out a few times due to poor positioning and sloppiness on the ball. He needs minutes to learn where he should be stationed and when to push forward and when to drop off. If he starts against Tottenham, he cannot afford to be drifting into the wrong space or losing the ball in dangerous areas.

Spurs pose their own clinical edge on the counter. Lokonga will have to be switched on since any lapse in concentration may lead directly to a goal. However, given how quickly the midfielder has learned, there is no doubt that he can perform. The match at Old Trafford will serve as a valuable learning experience for him and he can take important lessons into the sunshine at the Emirates on Saturday.

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