Arsenal take the short journey across North London to take on Tottenham in the first derby of the Premier League season.
Last season the Gunners stormed to a three-goal lead in the first half as Ange Postecoglu’s side committed numerous errors in conceding at corners. Their spirited attempts at a comeback failed as Mikel Arteta’s defence stood firm in the closing moments and clung onto that first-half advantage.
This time out, however, this Arsenal side will be without the influential figure of their captain, Martin Odegaard, who got injured on international duty with Norway and the suspended Declan Rice after his controversial sending-off against Brighton.
Those dropped points against the Seagulls left the mood low around the club entering the international break but, boosted by the contract renewal of Arteta, staff and fans alike will be hoping that was a one off, so they do not fall further behind title rivals Liverpool and Man City.
Tottenham’s patchy start of the season has seen them win, draw and lose each of their first three games and, off the back of a defeat away to Newcastle, they will be hoping that a first North London derby win in two seasons elevates them to a higher level of consistency than they have been showing recently.
And there is every chance they could do that at home against a depleted version of their most fierce rivals.
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Team News
The hosts will be without Richarlison (muscle) and Will Lankshear.
Micky Van de Ven and Dominic Solanke have returned to training this week and will hope to make the starting lineup for Sunday’s game.
Solanke has been absent since the first game of the season. Yves Bissouma continues to be monitored and could make the matchday squad.
The Gunners will have many key names missing from their squad this weekend after Rice’s suspension and Mikel Merino’s injury (shoulder) in training shortly after signing with the club. As well as Odegaard (ankle), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (thigh).
Summer acquisition Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt due to a freak incident whilst playing for Italy in which Ousmane Dembele injured the Arsenal man’s shin.
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Likely Lineups
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Havertz; Sterling, Martinelli, Saka
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Key Players
Tottenham - Cristian Romero
Last season when Tottenham were on the backfoot against their biggest rivals it was Cristian Romero who stepped up for his side.
Finding himself in the position of a centre forward, the Argentine pulled one back after a horrific mistake by the Arsenal keeper, David Raya.
The central defender is an all-action player who can decide an edgy game. He was also heavily involved in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium last season where he scored an own goal from Bukayo Saka’s shot which wrong-footed Guglielmo Vicario in the Tottenham goal.
And when it comes to confrontation in a derby, Romero’s fiery character will almost certainly be involved or even instigating it.
Arsenal - Kai Havertz
With the losses to Odegaard, Rice and Merino in midfield, Arteta will be grateful for the endless running that Kai Havertz can provide as he has a high chance of sliding back into that midfield role he was brought in for when he signed last summer.
Havertz was heavily influential in this game last season as he assisted Saka with a wonderful ranging pass from left to right and then scored from a corner to make it 0-3.
The Germany international is fresh from scoring on international duty. But, his combative actions in midfield will be needed with the slower legs of Partey and Jorginho likely to be making up the rest of the numbers.
Rice is known for his immense ability to cover ground quickly and win duels against anyone. In contrast, Odegaard is Arsenal’s best at winning balls high up the pitch and creating quick turnovers for his side.
The Gunners will be without both this weekend and will need Havertz to step up in their place.
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Match Details
Where is the match being played?
The match is being played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It will be the 196th meeting between these two rivals.
What time is kick-off?
The match kicks off at 2PM BST on Sunday 15th September.
How can I watch?
The match will be live on Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 1 PM BST.
