7 non-negotiable starters for Arsenal vs Tottenham

2. Declan Rice

Not that it would even cross Mikel Arteta's mind but Declan Rice simply must start this match.

Declan Rice is Arsenal's record signing, this was very widely documented but suddenly, all the media outlets began to go quiet about his transfer fee. This is because, if anything, Declan Rice has proven that he's worth so much to Arsenal than they paid for him.

Declan Rice was signed for games like this one. In the past, Arsenal midfielders were criticised for not turning up in big games but Rice provides a satisfying counter-narrative to that story. Rice has already put in some excellent performances this season against the biggest teams - Man City, Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea all included.

Rice will be hungry to give the travelling Arsenal supporters, who won't have to travel far at all, a reason to smile this weekend. As a player who carries out all of the midfield roles, his recovery will be important for the weekend and assuming he is fit, he is a non-negotiable starter for Mikel Arteta.

Continued on the next slide...