Tottenham vs Arsenal starting lineups: Gunners decide on injured duo as Spurs handed boost

The upcoming North London derby will see Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur clash once again, with both teams eager to assert dominance in their local rivalry. Arsenal, under the management of Mikel Arteta, will look to continue their unbeaten run this season despite facing significant challenges. The Gunners will be without Declan Rice, who is serving a suspension following a red card in their recent match against Brighton. Additionally, Arsenal’s preparations have been further disrupted by injuries to key players. Martin Odegaard, the team’s captain, sustained an injury while on international duty with Norway and was seen using crutches. Arteta has indicated that further tests are needed to determine the severity of Odegaard’s condition. The coach remains hopeful but acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the player’s availability. Mikel Merino, another potential absentee, is still recovering from an injury sustained during training and is not expected to make his debut yet.

On the other side, Tottenham Hotspur, managed by Ange Postecoglou, faces its own injury concerns. The team may be without Yves Bissouma, who sustained an injury during a match for Mali against Eswatini. Bissouma’s fitness is in question, and he may not be risked for the derby. Spurs have already been dealing with the absence of forward Richarlison, who is sidelined with his own injury. However, there is a boost for the team with the expected return of summer signing Dominic Solanke. Solanke, who joined for £65 million, missed the last two matches due to an ankle problem but is anticipated to be available. Micky van de Ven, who was absent during Spurs’ recent defeat to Newcastle, is also set to return. Postecoglou confirmed that van de Ven has trained throughout the international break and is ready to contribute.

The possible lineup changes for Tottenham could include the return of Brennan Johnson to the starting eleven, potentially replacing Wilson Odobert. Arsenal, meanwhile, faces critical decisions due to the possible absence of both Rice and Odegaard. Jorginho is likely to step in for Rice, while Arteta might reposition Kai Havertz into midfield to cover Odegaard’s potential absence. Gabriel Jesus’s return to fitness provides Arteta with more attacking options, and the choice of who will start on the left flank between Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and new signing Raheem Sterling remains to be seen. Additionally, Arsenal’s defensive lineup might be adjusted if Riccardo Calafiori, who picked up an issue while with the Italy national team, is not fully fit. Nonetheless, Arsenal is expected to continue with the defensive formation that has been effective in their recent matches.

In summary, both Arsenal and Tottenham will enter this North London derby with significant squad issues. Arsenal’s potential absentees include Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, which could force Arteta into tactical adjustments. Tottenham’s lineup might be impacted by injuries to Yves Bissouma and Richarlison, although the return of Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven could provide much-needed reinforcements. The match promises to be a highly anticipated encounter, with both teams eager to secure victory and gain the upper hand in the local rivalry.