Arsenal take on Tottenham in what is billed to be one of the most important North London Derby’s for both clubs. The Gunners need to get back to winning ways after their draw with Brighton before the international break whereas Tottenham will be aiming to log just their second win of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta is in full focus having just signed his new contract with the club, taking his tenure with the Gunners through until 2027. The Spaniard is facing increasing pressure to deliver the league title and knowing that a trip to Manchester City follows the derby, a win here is vital.
However, he faces the challenge of having several key players missing and potentially integrating some new faces into the starting line-up. Getting that right is pivotal and football.london runs through what a dream selection might look like.
Of course, David Raya starts in goal with Neto taking to the bench for the first time in his Arsenal career having not been signed in time to make the team for Brighton. Raya has arguably been the side’s best player in the opening three games and will certainly be called upon again in the derby.
Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are of course all going to start this game but as has been the theme throughout the season so far, left-back is up for grabs. Jurrien Timber has been okay as he returns from injury but not done enough to solidify the position.
There have been both defensive errors and a lack of offensive threat and therefore Riccardo Calafiori might instead be a better pick. The Italian can offer more going forwards and impressed defensively in helping see out the game against Brighton.
Into midfield and the major absences certainly will force the hand of Arteta in terms of his selection. Jorginho and Thomas Partey are almost guaranteed to start this game however who takes over from club captain Martin Odegaard was always the bigger question.
With the hopeful return of Gabriel Jesus to fitness, Kai Havertz would be the man to pick to play not as a right-eight but instead a second striker behind the Brazilian. The pair combined well against Bayer Leverkusen in pre-season and it would be better to see a repeat of that here.
Around Jesus will of course be Bukayo Saka but with both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard having questionable starts in the last two games, perhaps it is time for another new face. Raheem Sterling has excited fans with clips from training, and a start in the derby could be the perfect platform to jump-start his Arsenal career.
Dream Arsenal XI vs Tottenham: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Jorginho, Partey, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Sterling
