Tottenham vs Arsenal: 7 non-negotiable starters in North London Derby

Next up for Arsenal, it's the North London Derby. Unsurprisingly, the injury news was not kind to the Gunners over the dreaded international break. Alas, this is the situation Mikel Arteta finds himself in.

Thankfully, Arsenal strengthened in the summer transfer window. So, there is squad depth of quality players, not simply filler players like it was last season. Long story short, Arsenal can still field a strong lineup.

Squad rotation will not be in Mikel Arteta's mind, not even with the away Champions League fixture in midweek and of course, that Man City fixture next weekend. Against Spurs, Arsenal will field their strongest possible lineup.

That said, here are 7 non-negotiable starters for Mikel Arteta in Tottenham vs Arsenal...

Tottenham vs Arsenal: 7 non-negotiable starters in North London Derby

David Raya

Goes without saying, right? David Raya is the first name on the team-sheet and barring some Matrix-style-glitch, he will start against Tottenham.

Last season, David Raya was the star-player for Arsenal against Tottenham, pulling off THAT super-save. Already this season, Raya has proven his worth between the sticks, preventing Ollie Watkins miraculously.

Ben White

Another decision which frankly makes itself. Ben White, after not playing during the international break, will be fully rested and ready to pull out the dark arts against Tottenham.

William Saliba

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Gabriel Magalhaes

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Thomas Partey

Most of Arsenal's problems heading into the match are in the midfield. Declan Rice is suspended, whereas Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are injured.

Therefore, Thomas Partey's position in the midfield is pretty solidified. In fairness, the Ghanaian international has been playing well so far this season, so it's a good opportunity for Partey to establish himself as a sure starter this season.

The more said about his thunderbolt against Tottenham, the better.

Bukayo Saka

Unsurprisingly, Bukayo Saka was busy throughout the international break. But this has never stopped Mikel Arteta from starting him in the past and it certainly won't stop the Spanish manager in this match.

Bukayo Saka has started the season well, having at least one goal involvement in each of the opening three matches. He will start this match, no questions asked.

Kai Havertz

What a start to the season Kai Havertz is having. For both club and country, Havertz has been one of the standout players of 2024/25 so far.

Last season, Kai Havertz scored against Tottenham Hotspur. In fact, he had quite a habit of getting involved in goals in big matches for Arsenal. He will be hungry to torment Ange Postecoglou and co some more in this match.

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