Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to make seven changes from the FA Cup win over Oxford to take on Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby. The Gunners can extend their lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League to eight points with a win. Express Sport looks at the XI Arteta is expected to select.
Goalkeeper – Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale was given the night off against Oxford on Monday. Matt Turner stood in and was solid in between the sticks.
The American continues to push his case as a solid back-up keeper following his arrival last summer. But Ramsdale will come back in for this one, with Nick Pope the only goalkeeper to have kept more clean sheets than his England rival so far this season.
Defence – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko
Gabriel is the only member of the defence who will keep his place from the game at the Kassam Stadium. Kieran Tierney will be replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has cemented his spot as the first-choice left-back for Arteta.
Midfield – Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka
Arteta has settled on his preferred midfield this season. Thomas Partey has shone in the holding role and no other player in the Arsenal squad can provide what he gives to the team.
Partey was absent for Arsenal’s only defeat in the league so far this season at Manchester United, which stresses his importance. Ahead of him will see captain Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka return in place of Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Attack – Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Bukayo Saka was substituted with an injury against Oxford. However, Arteta says he should be fine and he trained with the squad on Friday.
He and Gabriel Martinelli have started every Premier League match so far this season and that is set to continue. Eddie Nketiah has scored four goals in four games since Christmas and will be aiming to continue his form with a first goal in a north London derby.
Arsenal expected XI vs Tottenham in full: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
