Tottenham Hotspur face off against Arsenal in the first North London derby of the season, and all eyes are on how manager Ange Postecoglou will set up his team. With both sides dealing with injuries, Spurs’ will have a great opportunity to beat their rivals as Arsenal’s injury and suspension troubles are more concerning.
Arsenal’s Injury Concerns
Arsenal head into this derby with significant injury setbacks, which could influence Tottenham’s tactical approach. Declan Rice, one of Arsenal’s key midfielders, is set to miss out after a controversial red card in their match against Brighton. Mikel Arteta is also without new signing Mikel Merino, who fractured his shoulder in training, and club captain Martin Ødegaard, who is a major doubt with an ankle sprain suffered during international duty.
With these absences, the Gunners are likely to field a weakened midfield, which could give Spurs the upper hand. Arteta may have to rely on Thomas Partey and Jorginho in midfield, with the potential of pushing Kai Havertz into a deeper role.
Spurs’ Predicted Lineup Against Arsenal
Despite injury concerns of their own, Tottenham Hotspur are expected to field a strong side. Here’s the predicted Spurs lineup against Arsenal in Postecoglou’s favored 4-3-3 formation:
If Bissouma, who picked up a knock during international duty, isn’t fit to start, Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to step in. Bentancur has returned to fitness and could play a pivotal role in midfield if needed. The forward line will be spearheaded by Son Heung-min, with Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert providing support from the wings. James Maddison will continue to orchestrate Spurs’ attack from midfield, and his creativity will be key to unlocking Arsenal’s defense.
Midfield Battle: With Rice and Ødegaard potentially absent for Arsenal, Spurs’ midfield trio of Bissouma, Sarr, and Maddison will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo. Ange can expect his team to take the game to Arsenal especially with his midfield trio playing against Arsenal’s weakened midfield
Arsenal’s Lineup Challenges
With the Gunners missing key players like Rice, Merino, and potentially Ødegaard, their predicted lineup looks far from full strength. The midfield will be a major area of concern for Arteta, and this gives Spurs a potential advantage to exploit.
Additionally, Arsenal are dealing with injuries to defenders like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, while Gabriel Jesus remains a doubt due to a groin injury. Raheem Sterling, Arsenal’s new signing, could make his debut, but his fitness levels remain uncertain.
As the North London derby approaches, Tottenham Hotspur’s lineup against Arsenal looks set to be a strong 4-3-3 formation. Ange Postecoglou’s men will aim to capitalize on Arsenal’s midfield crisis and injury struggles. With key players like Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Cristian Romero fit and in form, Spurs have a real chance to make a statement in this derby.