Predicted Arsenal XI vs Tottenham: As strong as the Gunners can be

Arsenal will be looking to secure their first Premier League win away at Spurs since 2014 on Sunday in the North London Derby. 

It’s a day typically laden with angst and dread among both sets of supporters, with the prospect of losing to your most bitter rivals an unbearable thought.

Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta will be confident of securing a rare victory this weekend as the Gunners seek to assert their supremacy at the top of the Premier League table with Manchester City visiting Old Trafford at Saturday lunchtime.

While Spurs could be without a few key players for the upcoming derby, Arteta has no fresh concerns on the injury front and Emile Smith Rowe is back in contention after appearing off the bench against Oxford Utd on Monday night.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Tottenham

Here’s the starting XI Arteta will be expected to pick for Sunday’s North London Derby.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Matt Turner is continuing to impress as Ramsdale’s deputy, but the England international’s status as Arsenal’s number one is not yet under threat.

Ben White (RB) – With Spurs poised to double up on Saka, White may have a big role to play in the final third. The defender has been a model of consistency this season.

William Saliba (CB) – The Frenchman was excellent in his first derby and while he hasn’t been quite so imperious as of late, his spot in the XI is not up for debate.

Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian is in excellent form and is a shoo-in to start on Sunday. A duel with Harry Kane awaits.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – His mere presence inspired an upsurge in form on Monday night. The Ukrainian will play a major role in ensuring the visitors gain and retain control against the Lilywhites.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey’s opener in October’s derby was one of the moments of the season thus far. The Ghanaian earned a rest last week and will be heading into this one as fresh as a daisy. Arteta needs a big performance from his holding midfielder.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – No one in the projected starting XI has made more appearances in this fixture than Xhaka, who has lined up against Tottenham 14 times and collected seven yellow cards. However, this new and improved Xhaka will be hoping to add to his goal tally rather than his bookings haul on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – A poor showing against Newcastle halted Odegaard’s momentum somewhat after he rounded off 2022 in dazzling form. The skipper has had success in this fixture in the past, and he’ll be looking to spearhead Arsenal’s first victory in our rivals’ fancy new amphitheatre.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – The wily Ivan Perisic has his work cut out against this one-v-one demon on Sunday. Son Heung-min will undoubtedly give the Croatian international support in defence, but the South Korean’s deep positioning could hinder the hosts in transition. At the moment, though, the only way to stop Saka is by doubling up on him.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Nketiah started the fateful derby last April and will be determined to lead a more prosperous Arsenal line on this occasion. Gabriel Jesus’ deputy is in fine form, scoring four in his last four outings.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – This would be a brilliant time for Martinelli to open his North London Derby account. The Brazilian is yet to score against Spurs having made two starts in the derby.