North London Derby – One of the most awaited London Derby of all time. The drama, The Charisma, The Passion, The City – everything will come together when Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur visits Unai Emery’s Emirates ‘The Fortress’ Stadium this Sunday.
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-2-3-1) vs Tottenham Hotspur
GOALKEEPER: Bernd Leno
Bernd Leno is a clear first choice goal in a subtly fine form with some good saves but has failed to keep clean-sheet for his side. He has been pretty solid and could have a busy evening against in-form Tottenham Hotspur.
The North London derby will be a huge game for him and his team.
Defenders: Bellerin, Sokratis, Mustafi, Kolasinac
Rob Holding has been ever present for Arsenal in recent months replacing Sokratis dealing with injuries. He also played in the Europa League in midweek against Vorskla suggesting Sokratis Papastathopoulos who haven’t travelled with the squad will start alongside Shkodran Mustafi. But that does not mean that Holding might not start.
READ: Arsenal vs Tottenham ‘more than a game’ – Hugo Lloris
Hector Bellerin is expected to retain his place for Arsenal with Sead Kolasinac starting on left. With Nacho Monreal out with hamstring injury there isn’t really anyone else to play in either of their positions. Last weekend, Kolasinac had a pretty good game at the Vitality Stadium.
Hector Bellerin who likes to get forward, is expected to be busy on both ends when playing against Tottenham.
Midfielders: Xhaka, Torreira
The defensive midfield is presumed to be same as it was against AFC Bournemouth last weekend. Xhaka’s and Torreira’s position in the team are almost completely secure.
While facing a team who are accurate in passing and shift in getting forward, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira would have to do their job in the heart of midfield.
Forwards: Iwobi, Ozil, Aubameyang
Mesut Ozil is expected to feature in his preferred ‘Number 10’ position with Aubameyang on his left and Iwobi on his right. Ozil was not part of Arsenal’s travelling squad to Ukraine to face Vorskla in the Europa League, indicating his involvement in the Tottenham’s clash.
READ: Why should Mesut Ozil start against Tottenham?
Alex Iwobi is expected to start on the right with Henrikh Mkhitaryan paving way for the Nigerian. Iwobi has come through under Unai Emery this season and with some under the radar performances by the Armenian, he could see himself on the bench.
Aubameyang was leading the line against Bournemouth but is expected to shift back to left, a place where he has found loads of goals this season and will be expected to do the same against Tottenham.
READ: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Harry Kane
Striker: Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette is expected to be back to lead the line after the missing last weekend’s clash against the Cherries. Lacazette showed his capabilities against Liverpool earlier this season and is expected to knock on Tottenham’s defence on regular basis.
