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Jamie O'Hara and Jason Cundy clashed over which Tottenham players should feature in a combined north London derby with Arsenal stars.

The bitter rivals will battle for the first time this season on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a feisty match on the cards.

Derby days give fans the chance to create starting XI's consisting of players from both sides, with Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit telling talkSPORT that Spurs would maybe have two players 'maximum'.

This is despite the Gunners being set to miss Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard through suspension and injury respectively.

"I think he's talking garbage," said O'Hara in response to Petit, before he and Cundy failed to agree on a combined north London derby XI, with the full Sports Bar clash below.

Cundy: What's he said that's upset you?

O'Hara: Well, two players, what's he talking about? How many Arsenal players get in Spurs' team?

Cundy: Right, well I'm putting Van de Ven in there. I know [Andy] Goldstein recommended him and they shot him down. I'm having [Micky] Van de Ven alongside [William] Saliba.

O'Hara: Yes... Pedro Porro is a better player than Ben White.

Cundy: No, but he's not mate.

O'Hara: Yes he is!

Cundy: No he's not, he's not better than Ben White.

O'Hara: Yes he is! Pedro Porro is an amazing football player, and [Destiny] Udogie plays week in, week out at left-back. He was one of the best left-backs in the country last season.

Cundy: Was he? One of the best in the country? You might have overdone that a little bit...

O'Hara: No, I'm not over-egging it at all.

Cundy: One of the best in the country?

O'Hara: Didn't he get in the team of the season?

Cundy: Did he? Are you sure about that?

O'Hara: Mate, I'm sure he was close to it... I think he got in it, I'm not 100 per cent.

But, they [Arsenal] bought a left-back because their left-back's been poor. So for Emmanuel Petit to come out and say only two players get in...

Cundy: He's won a World Cup mate, he can say what he wants...

O'Hara: I know he can say what he wants, of course he can, absolutely. But, he's talking rubbish.

Cundy: Right, I'm having three. Van de Ven, [James] Maddison in... [Kai] Havertz high up, Maddison can play where Odegaard does, and I'm having [Heung-min] Son on the left. That's from having three in there.

O'Hara: I disagree mate. Look, without Rice, they've got Thomas Partey or Jorginho, right, to choose from. [Yves] Bissouma's a better player.

Cundy: I don't know if Bissouma is... is he fit? I don't know if he's fit mate.

O'Hara: Bissouma's a better player.

Cundy: Ok. I'm just telling you now mate, I'm having three in there.

O'Hara: Obviously [Bukayo] Saka goes on the right and Havertz, at the moment in time... you have to put him up front, down the middle because he's doing alright.

Cundy: And Maddison in behind him... Give us your team then!

O'Hara: Well... there's an argument for [Guglielmo] Vicario...

Cundy: Look, J, listen, don't argue with me or yourself, give us your team.

O'Hara: But I just...

Cundy: Give us your team!

O'Hara: It's annoyed me because, you know, this Arsenal lot think they're Real Madrid, they literally think they're Real Madrid.

Cundy: Give us your team, who's in goal?

O'Hara: [David] Raya. Udogie, Van de Ven, Saliba, Porro...

Cundy: So three of the back four are Spurs?

O'Hara: Yes, 100 per cent.

Cundy: Ok, go on.

O'Hara: Then I would say Bissouma and Thomas Partey, I don't know who's fit.

Cundy: Well Partey's fit and Jorginho is fit from what we got...

O'Hara: Maddison, Son, Saka, Havertz. You can't argue with that, there's no argument, you can't argue with that.

Cundy: You know Arsenal had the best defence in the league last season?

O'Hara: I don't care.

Cundy: And you've got three of the back four...

O'Hara: Yep, Saliba was their best player... so Saliba's in there.

Cundy: Saka was their best player... mate, you can't have Porro over Ben White, you can't mate.

O'Hara: Mate, Porro is top quality.

Cundy: No, he's not better than... mate, come on, that's being a bit silly.

O'Hara: Listen, I'm not being silly!

Cundy: It's a bit silly.

O'Hara: Ask any Spurs fan, and ask an Arsenal fan.

Cundy: Well ok, well listen, ask them now!

So that's six from Tottenham and five from Arsenal in O'Hara's combined north London derby XI - how do you rate it?

Every year in the WSL, there is always a team who shocks everybody and outperforms all expectations.

Last season it was Liverpool; the season before it was Aston Villa.

This time, Tottenham are on track to be the dark horses who stun the field this season.

Their sixth place league finish was respectable, if not mind-blowing, last year, but it was their FA Cup campaign that better sums up just how far their manager has taken them in such a short time.

They looked increasingly organised, lively and dangerous in front of goal as the season went on - and the scoreline in their 4-0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United obscured how competitive they had actually been in the first half.

Bear in mind, just two seasons ago they had been one of the teams in the mix for relegation from the top tier - but some shrewd signings have made all the difference in recent years with attacking duo Beth England and Martha Thomas at the forefront of the team’s revolution.

And what is it about Spurs that makes them look so promising this season?

“I would say that we’re bold, determined and brave in the way in which we play out,” England told talkSPORT when asked what three words best summed up the club.

But it is the Swedish boss at the helm of the club whose calm and collected approach to management seems to have been the real catalyst for change.

Manager: Robert Vilahamn

The perfect way to sum up Robert Vilaham is by understanding the secret weapon he introduced during his first year at the club: team yoga sessions.

It has proved to be an activity that has converted even the most unlikely suspects, as striker England told talkSPORT.

“We've got an amazing yoga teacher, she's called Jess,” she said. “She's fantastic. And it's not always been my cup of tea, but I have learnt to love it almost.

“We're still very much in the yoga-era under Robert. And yeah, I think most of the girls actually really enjoy it. So it's a great way for us to help recover and switch off at times when we need to.”

Vilahamn managed a number of Swedish clubs from 2009 onwards, taking charge of top flight side BK Hacken immediately before his move to Spurs.

He has been a revelation, and his introduction of yoga to squad training has been a resounding success which seems to mirror the gentle but firm approach he takes to leadership.

Having previously told talkSPORT that his intention was to lead at Spurs in the way that Ange Postecoglou had done on the men’s side, he has created an environment at the club which his players have had much praise for.

And how could they not, after the 41-year-old led them to a historic first ever FA Cup final which stirred up unprecedented levels of support for the side.

Not to mention, he led the team to their first ever north London derby win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on what was a very special day for the club.

With the Swede recently having signed a new three-year-contract with the club, there is every reason to believe Tottenham Women could indeed get their hands on a trophy before long.

Star player: Beth England

That statistics would tell you that Beth England was not her prolific self last season.

But they do not tell you that the former Lionesses striker was out with a hip injury until mid-January - and she still managed to score eight times in 21 appearances upon her return.

Of course, the season before she had scored 12 times in 12 appearances after signing for Tottenham in the transfer window.

And it is that kind of form that she will be looking to regain this campaign, with the striker telling talkSPORT that she is hungry for victory this season.

“Obviously, we want to build on the success that we had last year in terms of reaching the FA Cup final, finishing sixth in the league,” she said. “We want to obviously push into breaking those barriers of aiming for top four and yeah just continuing to push and hopefully bring home a trophy and title to the club.”

She added: “For me I think it's just about getting fit and making sure that obviously I had a bit of a half a season last year from my hip surgery. so it's just I'm excited that I finally got a full pre-season under my belt and that I can go into the season just excited to play football again and hopefully bang the goals in like I know I can.”

It has been a hard couple of years for the former Chelsea star, as she was phased out of both the international set-up and the starting line-up under Emma Hayes.

But she has found a new place to shine with and she would love nothing more than to prove just how capable she is in front of a goal - perhaps with the Golden Boot, or even team honours.

One to watch: Martha Thomas

The Scottish forward who was billed as Beth England’s temporary stand-in last season ended up proving herself to be far, far more than just that.

Martha Thomas bagged ten goals across 27 appearances last season - but it was the occasion of some of her goals that most impressed.

After all, she scored the extra-time winner that got them into the FA Cup final and she scored the crucial goal that gave them their first ever win over Arsenal.

A big player for the biggest occasions who also has 19 goals in 38 international appearances, Tottenham suddenly find themselves with two of the best strikers in the league who are both fit and fighting ahead of the season - it’s an exciting prospect indeed.

Transfer window

It is hard to imagine that we will not be seeing young England star Grace Clinton tear up the pitch in a Tottenham shirt this season, given just how at home she looked in that position.

But with the midfielder having been recalled from her loan spell by Manchester United, and seemingly taking Celin Bizet with her, the one area that could pose particular difficulty for Spurs is finding a replacement who offers the same energy and passing vision as her.

Vilahamn’s composure and clear intelligence all indicates they will find a solution - and new arrival Anna Csiki could be just that - but their campaign could well depend on just how well Clinton's role is replaced.

As Harry Kane continues his Bundesliga title charge, he’ll next line up against someone he may well have not seen in over a decade.

Kane’s Bayern Munich look to carry on their perfect league start with a trip away to the very north of Germany where they face Holstein Kiel for only the second time in their incredibly storied history.

Kiel made it up to the top flight for the first time in their history ahead of the 2024/25 season, and fans have been rewarded with a visit of the record champions just three games in.

Kiel earned promotion through a number of cult heroes, but none more cult-ish than Kane’s former teammate at Tottenham, Lewis Holtby.

The name will certainly be familiar for many Premier League fans, as the midfielder made 38 top flight appearances in England across four seasons with Spurs and Fulham, recording two goals and five assists.

Holtby, who has an English father, moved to Spurs in 2013 from Schalke, but failed to make an impact at White Hart Lane.

His last appearance for the London side came at the start of the 2014/15 season in a Europa League qualifier against AEL Limassol, and he lined up alongside Kane for the seventh and final time.

That match was over ten years ago, with Holtby going on loan to Fulham then Hamburg, before joining the latter permanently.

Holtby would then return to England with Blackburn in 2019, spending two seasons in the Championship before heading to current club Kiel.

The three-time Germany international was key in the club’s promotion, scoring a number of key goals, and Kane’s Bayern will have to be careful, particularly if history is anything to go by.

The sides have only met on one previous occasion, in 2021 in the German Cup. The second round match at the Holstein-Stadion finished 2-2 at full-time, before Kiel caused a cupset with a penalty shoot-out win.

Bayern will still be confident of getting their revenge this weekend, given they have two wins from two and the home side have lost both of their opening league matches.

Kane opened his Bundesliga account for the season in one of those games against Freiburg, while he added another in the cup against Ulm.

Kane could even smash a Bundesliga record this weekend.

If he gets three goal contributions against Kiel he would reach 50 in the German top-flight in just 35 games.

It would be the fastest anyone has ever reached the total, including Erling Haaland who did it in 43 matches.

And that will give Kane eight bites at the cherry - which you imagine he won't waste.

Bayern's results so far this season have seen them steal an early march on the team likely to be their main competition for the title, reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Ex-Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart has revealed how Harry Redknapp’s three-word speech inspired a famous north London derby comeback.

Van der Vaart was central to an incredible turnaround against their bitter rivals and landed their first ever win at the Emirates Stadium.

The win had extra significance as three points for the Gunners would have seen them leapfrog Chelsea and Manchester United into top spot.

Spurs had gone 17 years without a win at Arsenal and a disastrous start to the game saw Redknapp’s men slip to a 2-0 deficit at the interval thanks to goals from Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh.

With Spurs on the ropes and fans fearing an embarrassing scoreline, Redknapp took a measured approach to his teamtalk, to the surprise of the Dutch maestro.

Van der Vaart lifted the lid on the famous victory in November 2010 and Redknapp’s composed nature at half time.

"Of course, the first win after so many years at the Emirates, I remember,” he told SunSport.

“It was 2-0 down. It was a terrible game. We were so so bad, and I was also really bad.

"We came in the dressing room and I thought Harry would kill us. And he only said the following, "Let it out". I think it was, "Let it out". And that's it."

Redknapp’s simple message clearly worked wonders for the former Ajax man who set up Gareth Bale to reduce the arrears five-minutes into the second half before stepping up to level from the penalty spot in the 67th minute.

And it was Van der Vaart’s free-kick into the box that made all the difference as Younes Kaboul headed what turned out to be the winner five minutes from time.

The turnaround was complete, but Van der Vaart says it would never have been the case if it was not for Redknapp’s speech prior to the second half.

“We went on the pitch, I scored the penalty, I give an assist [and] in the last minute, assist again. And we won that game.

"And after the game, we went to the city. And all the people asked, 'What did Harry say in the half-time?' And, you know, everybody was like, 'What a good speech'.

"And we really felt what to do. That was, I think, amazing, what he did there.

It remains the last time Tottenham claimed a victory at Arsenal but also a stark reminder that form counts for little in the north London derby.

The two side will go toe-to-toe in the north London derby once again this Sunday.

Former Premier League midfielder Etienne Capoue has joined a new club… a third division basketball side.

The 36-year-old was recently released by Spanish side Villarreal, to bring an end to his three-and-a-half-year stay at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

During his stint at Villarreal, he helped the Yellow Submarine win their first and only trophy in their 101-year existence.

He started in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United in 2021 - just months after arriving from Watford.

But incredibly, he could now be about to embark on new career in basketball with Spanish minnows CB Jovens L’Eliana.

That is according to news outlet Relevo, who have stated he has traded the football pitch to the basketball court.

It has been claimed that the Frenchman, who played two years at Tottenham between 2013-2015, has spent the last week training with the club, who ply their trade in the third-tier of the Spanish basketball pyramid.

The news outlet has even said he took part in a friendly match last weekend, which his side won 78-70 against CB Morvedre.

That was backed up by an Instagram post shared by CB Jovens L’Eliana, where Capoue could be seen wearing the club's colours.

Though it has been said he is yet to be registered with the team, meaning he cannot play in any competitive matches.

It remains to be seen whether the ex-Spurs and Watford star will officially link up with the basketball side.

Though a source from CB Jovens L'Eliana clarified Capoue's mindset by telling Relevo he has the firm intention of 'ending his days as a footballer'.

They also stated: "We don't want to put pressure on him. He told us that he wanted to play, that he wanted to train."

Should Capoue pen an official contract at CB Jovens L’Eliana, it would fulfil a childhood dream of his to play basketball.

It was only last year that he discussed his love of the sport, while refusing to rule out a potential career change.

He told Relevo: “My dream as a child was to play NBA basketball. Clearly.

"That was my dream. But it’s still my dream, eh? I don’t know.”

Arsenal may be without arguably their first-choice midfield for Sunday's north London derby - but their squad is far superior to Tottenham's.

That is the view of Gunners legend Emmanuel Petit, who has stated Son Heung-min is the only Spurs star that definitely gets into his combined north London derby XI.

Mikel Arteta goes into the derby without a number of key players, with club-record signing Declan Rice suspended following his controversial red card against Brighton.

Prior to the 1-1 draw before the international break, they were also rocked by the news that £32million summer signing Mikel Merino suffered a training ground injury, ruling him out of action until at least mid-October.

Arsenal were then dealt a further blow earlier this week after Martin Odegaard sustained an ankle injury on international duty with Norway. It remains to be seen when he will be back but the Norway physio suggested Odegaard will be sidelined for three weeks.

Those three players were expected to be Arsenal's preferred midfield three under Arteta, meaning the Spaniard will have to improvise for Sunday's clash.

This could see Jorginho, who hasn't played a minute this season, be given a start, while star striker Kai Havertz could be forced to drop back into a No.8 role.

Arsenal's midfield woe - coupled with the possible absence of versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori - has left fans feeling that points could be dropped at Spurs.

But speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Petit, who famously snubbed a move to Spurs in favour of Arsenal in 1997 - backed his former employers to make it three wins on the bounce at Tottenham.

He then asked co-hosts Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent how many of Spurs' players would get into a combined XI between the two teams.

Petit instantly rebuffed Goldstein's suggestion that Micky van de Ven could get in front of Gunners centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of defence.

He simply stated: "No way."

Goldstein returned by stating Spurs skipper Son would get in his team over Arsenal's left winger Gabriel Martinelli.

That was backed up by ex-Tottenham striker and die-hard Arsenal fan Bent, with Petit accepting their answer.

"That's the only one", Bent stated, with Petit admitting: "Probably, yeah."

Petit then insisted: "Even without Odegaard and Declan Rice, I stick with the Arsenal players."

Ex-Leicester playmaker James Maddison was then highlighted by Goldstein to feature in the middle of the pitch due to Arsenal's absentees.

It was a player that Petit conceded could get into Arsenal's current makeshift team, as he said: "Maybe.

"So maybe two players maximum, even when Odegaard and Declan Rice aren't there. You have your answer [who will win north London derby]."

And after determining Arsenal still boast a better squad over Spurs despite their setbacks, Petit believes the Gunners will be leaving with all three points.

He remarked: "I was worried, so I was predicting a draw, but now I've changed my mind.

"I read the newspapers as well, apparently [Yves] Bissouma is injured, they are not sure about [Dominic] Solanke and the central defender [Van de Ven].

"But even with those guys, I know they cannot afford to lose two games in a row, they lost to Newcastle before the international break.

"I know they lost last season at home against Arsenal, so for many reasons, they have to produce the perfect game for their fans."

He continued: "But I see this Arsenal team with Arteta, with the environment, the confidence, the way they work and have been dealing with things the last two to three years and the way they improve.

"I remember two years ago [May 2022] when they were thrashed [3-0] at Tottenham, they lost the [Champions League spot].

"But last season it changed completely, I was worried about that, mentally and physically they were up for it.

"And I'm pretty sure that it will be the same on Sunday.

"It will be a tough game, I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of goals, I don't see a close game, I will say 2-1 or 3-1 to Arsenal."

The first north London derby of the 2024/25 season is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal top offer

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal odds

Find the latest match odds for Tottenham vs Arsenal. All odds are provided by our best-reviewed online football bookies. Odds are subject to change.

⚡Quick Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal betting tips

Draw - 13/5 with Paddy Power

BTTS and over 2.5 goals - 8/11 with Paddy Power

Leandro Trossard to score any time - 12/5 with Paddy Power

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal predictions

All eyes will be on north London this weekend, as Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal get ready to renew hostilities for the first time in 2024/25.

There is no love lost between this duo, but unlike other rivalries the matches between them tend to be hugely entertaining.

Because the stakes are so high, derby games sometimes produce cagey football from both sides. That is seldom the case when these two go at it.

Adding to the intrigue is a pretty even head-to-head record over the last few years. In the last decade, there have been 20 Premier League meetings involving Tottenham and Arsenal.

Seven of those have been draws, with six wins for Spurs and seven victories for the Gunners.

Mirroring the broader performances of both teams in the last three years or so, Arsenal have the edge of late. They have triumphed in five of the last seven contests between the pair, while Tottenham have tasted success on only one occasion in that time.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be desperate to get one over on their local rivals in Sunday’s showdown. But the importance of a victory goes beyond this rivalry.

Tottenham have had an iffy start to the season. They drew with Leicester City on the opening weekend, then thumped Everton 4-0 at home. However, their last game before the international break saw them go down 2-1 to Newcastle United, a potential rival for a top-four finish.

Tottenham could do with a pick-me-up, especially against another top team. This weekend’s encounter provides the perfect opportunity to get one.

It will not be easy, though. True, Arsenal are without two of their most important players in the form of the injured Martin Odegaard and the suspended Declan Rice.

But Mikel Arteta has made his side extremely resilient over the last couple of campaigns. Arsenal do not lose often. Even when they do not play well, they have the capacity to dig deep and avoid defeat.

Can the Gunners do so again this weekend, or will the home team leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium happy instead?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal betting tips

Bragging rights are on the line when Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal go head-to-head this weekend.

Draw - 13/5 (Paddy Power)

The loss of Odegaard and Rice for Sunday’s game could be a major factor in determining the overall outcome.

Arsenal will have to line up with a midfield two of Jorginho and Thomas Partey. That duo does not possess much in the way of mobility or advanced creativity.

With such key absentees, it is hard to see Arsenal coming out on top. But we still believe they can pick up a point.

Postecoglou has got Spurs playing some entertaining, exciting football, but they continue to be undone by familiar deficiencies - namely a high defensive line and a weakness from set-pieces.

Tottenham may well dominate portions of this game, but that does not mean they will come out on top in front of their own supporters.

⚽ Tip a draw at 13/5 with Paddy Power ⚽

BTTS and over 2.5 goals - 8/11 (Paddy Power)

Postecoglou is committed to his attacking principles and his front-footed approach allowed him to win the Tottenham fans over in double-quick time last season.

Even against the best teams in the country, Postecoglou does not take a backwards step - for better or worse.

That is good news for neutrals, who should be treated to an absorbing game on Sunday afternoon.

This bet would have paid out in Tottenham’s meeting with Newcastle last weekend, as well as in several big games from last season - including both clashes with Arsenal, a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium and a 3-2 defeat at home.

Clean sheets tend to be elusive when Spurs lock horns with another Champions League contender. This weekend’s fixture should be no different.

⚽ Go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 8/11 with Paddy Power ⚽

Leandro Trossard to score any time - 12/5 (Paddy Power)

With both Rice and Odegaard missing, Kai Havertz will probably play in a more withdrawn role this weekend.

Arteta then has the option of either fielding Gabriel Jesus from the left and Leandro Trossard up front, or Trossard centrally and Raheem Sterling on the left.

Either way, Trossard is certain to start. He changed the game against Aston Villa when entering from the bench and deserves another chance from the first whistle.

The Belgium international is a really useful player for Arsenal to have. He can play anywhere across the frontline and combines clever movement with sharp finishing.

These odds on Trossard finding the back of the net are attractive, so do not pass them up.

⚽ Back Leandro Trossard to score any time at 12/5 with Paddy Power ⚽

📺 How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England.

Date and time: Sunday 15th September, 2pm.

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

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Mikel Arteta has no choice but to be bold with his team selection as a decimated Arsenal face Tottenham in the north London derby.

The Gunners enter the first derby of the season this weekend in better form, but it is Spurs who head into the clash in finer spirits.

The Lilywhites are set to welcome back some key players as they look to get one over their biggest rivals after a slow start to the season.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are going to be without two of their stars and it’s an absence that will force Arteta to experiment with his side.

There's likely to be a debut for one Deadline Day signing, with several other players deployed out of position to cover the hole in midfield.

Here, talkSPORT.com takes a look at the injury latest and predicts how both teams could line up this weekend…

Tottenham

Spurs are coming into this huge derby off the back of their first defeat of the new Premier League campaign against Newcastle.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have now won, drawn and lost so far this season, with performances not reaching the level needed to compete at the top just yet.

However, Tottenham will be boosted by the return of two players who missed the last game.

The first of those players is Micky van de Ven, who sat out of the trip to Newcastle after seemingly picking up a knock against Everton.

Postecoglou confirmed that he ‘wasn’t quite 100 per cent’ and that due to the busy schedule after the international break, he was rested - missing the Netherlands' Nations League games as a result.

So it is likely that Van de Ven will be back fit to feature alongside Cristian Romero at centre-back, with Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie on either side.

Guglielmo Vicario will be in goal behind them, of course.

In midfield, Yves Bissouma will sit deeper than Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison, with the latter looking to create for a very dangerous front three.

And in that trio should see the second returnee in Dominic Solanke, who after missing two straight games, has rested over the break and is likely to be involved against Arsenal.

He’ll be flanked by captain Heung-min Son and potentially Dejan Kulusevski, who seems to be preferred to Brennan Johnson.

Summer signing Wilson Odobert may not be ready just yet to play in such a huge game.

Arsenal

The visitors are yet to lose this season but they’re now having to deal with some issues.

Before the international break, Declan Rice was controversially sent off against Brighton and that meant he was suspended for this game.

Jurrien Timber also seemed to pick up a knock during that Seagulls draw, hobbling off the Emirates pitch as he was substituted.

However, during the break, Timber has featured for the Netherlands and looks fit to play alongside William Saliba and Gabriel in defence this weekend.

That is fortunate for the Gunners, considering their other preferred option at left-back, Riccardo Calafiori was sent home early by Italy after sustaining an injury.

There is no doubt that Ben White will keep his place at right-back having enjoyed a rest due to his ongoing England exile.

That is the only slither of good fortune Arsenal have enjoyed during the international fixtures, with Martin Odegaard set to be sidelined.

The club captain limped out of Norway's 2-1 win over Austria with an ankle pain that his coach Ola Solbakken admitted looked bad.

The 25-year-old is a permanent starting fixture on the right side of Arteta's midfield three in his favoured 4-3-3 formation when fit.

Arsenal are yet to confirm Odegaard's absence officially, but the early prognosis is that he will miss around three weeks and leave his manager with a choice of whether to stick or twist now that the spine of his team has been decimated.

Kai Havertz could slot back into a No.8 position over youngster Ethan Nwaneri where he started his Gunners career rather than as a striker.

That would allow Arteta to maintain his 4-3-3 shape by pushing Thomas Partey into a more advanced area, with Jorginho as the No.6.

Havertz's absence from attack means Arsenal would be sweating on the return of Gabriel Jesus, with Leandro Trossard also offering an option as a false nine following his absence from the Belgium squad.

With so many players out of form or adjusting to new positions, Arteta may lean on the experience of Raheem Sterling over the struggling Gabriel Martinelli in such a big game.

Arsenal's new no. 30 last played a competitive game in May having missed out on Euro 2024 before being exiled by Chelsea.

But having joined the Gunners on a season-long loan deal during deadline day, Sterling has been hard at work at London Colney.

The winger is already familiar with Arteta's methods following their work together at Manchester City and wouldn't be fazed by making his debut in such a big game.

If Sterling isn't fit enough to start, Jesus may be the one taken a gamble on with a dramatic shift to a bold 4-2-4 formation.

Bukayo Saka is the undisputed choice at right-wing in both lineups, but Havertz's recent form may mean he's too valuable in attack.

Jorginho and Partey would become a double-pivot midfield to shield the defence, with Trossard playing in a more familiar role on the left.

Havertz would then be tasked with playing in a two-man striker setup that he operates in for Germany alongside the returning Jesus.

This would simultaneously ease the pressure on Sterling to come in from the start and instead be an impact option off the bench.

Rodrigo Bentancur could be banned for up to 12 games if the FA charge regarding comments about Son Heung-min are upheld.

Given that he's currently serving a four-game international ban, it means that he could be suspended for a total of 16 games.

In an interview earlier this year, the Tottenham star attempted to make a joke about his South Korean teammate that went viral.

Appearing on Uruguayan TV show Por La Camiseta, the journalist asked: "Can you get me the shirt from the Korean?" to which Bentancur asked "Sonny?" and the journalist said "Or any other champion?"

Bentancur replied: "Or any cousin of Sonny, they all look more or less the same!" to which the reporter replied "Yes, of course!!"

At the time, a statement from the club said: “We have been made aware of the utterly reprehensible online racist abuse directed at Heung-Min Son during today's match, which has been reported by the club.

“We stand with Sonny and once again call on the social media companies and authorities to take action.”

While the Uruguayan star issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram, he could be set for a lengthy ban.

A statement from the FA on Thursday read: "Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.

"It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach” which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin. Rodrigo Bentancur has until Thursday 19 September 2024 to provide a response to this charge."

It's understood that all 'aggravated breaches' that are a first offence bring a recommended match-based sanction of six to 12 matches.

The Spurs midfielder will then have the opportunity to accept or deny the charge.

Bentancur appeared remorseful in the aftermath of the scandal, posting on Instagram: "I would like to communicate to all fans and everyone who follows us that after my interview where I referred to Son and no one else, I have spoken to him and, logically given our deep friendship, he understands it was only an unfortunate misunderstanding. All has been clarified and solved with my friend.

"If someone felt offended because of my words through this media tool I would like to offer my sincere apologies. But I also would like you to know that never, never I referred to anyone else.

"Only to Son and for that reason I’ve never had the intention to offend directly or indirectly anyone. A big hug and all my respect to everyone."

Bentancur remains available for selection in the meantime, meaning that he could feature for Tottenham in the North London Derby against Arsenal this weekend.

Tottenham are among the clubs tracking England new-boy Angel Gomes, talkSPORT understands.

Midfielder Gomes will be a free agent when his contract at Lille expires next summer.

The 24-year-old began his career at Manchester United, joining their academy at the age of six.

He left for Ligue 1 in 2020 after being released by the Red Devils.

Gomes made his senior England debut over the international break against Ireland.

He came on as a substitute for Kobbie Mainoo in his side’s 2-0 win, before starting the second Nations League clash against Finland.

With Jude Bellingham ruled out of the games due to injury, it's likely Gomes stepped up to slot in his place.

New England manager knows Gomes well from his time managing the Under-21s, with the pair winning the European Under-21 Championship last summer.

And his impressive performances with the Three Lions has attracted a number of clubs, including Spurs.

Gomes already has some Premier League experience despite being released by Man United at a young age.

He made four appearances off the bench for the Red Devils, his first coming in the 2018/19 season.

Carsley gave a glowing review of Gomes after the Finland clash.

He said: "He loves football, he watches football, he's interested in tactics, he knows all the players in any league.

"If you ask him for any feedback, you need to be prepared that he's going to give you some feedback on the session, or how we're going to build up, or the positions.

"He'll often say about some build-ups he's done with other clubs, or what he's played against, because he's obviously playing in France, so he sees different things.

"He fully deserves it."