A Gooner's Diary

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Team news and predicted line-ups

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Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates this Sunday with both sides heading into the game unbeaten in the Premier League so far. 

Arsenal will have plenty of confidence though as they are flying after their dominant 5-0 win over PSV in the Champions League in midweek.

That confidence will be put to the test given the nature of the derby games and it will certainly not be easy considering Spurs’ form since Ange Postegcoglu took over.

Defensively, Arsenal have been incredible so far in the league, conceding just 4.0 xG, bettered only by Manchester City. The ability to limit opposition chances has been a vital building block for Arteta and will certainly play a significant role in coming up against an attacking Spurs side.

What is the team news heading into the game?

Gabrielle Martinelli will face a late fitness test ahead of the North London derby having injured his hamstring in the Everton win last week, although Arteta has not ruled out the Brazilian from making the squad at the least this weekend.

Thomas Partey will definitely miss the game and there will be much more debate surrounding who starts in goal, with David Raya taking the number one spot for the last two games.

Kai Havertz could drop out of the starting XI to make way for Jorginho or Fabio Vieira should Arteta choose to shake up his midfield.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3)

The main headache will be the inclusion of David Raya ahead of Aaron Ramsdale who has experience of this fixture. It would be a surprise to see Raya out of the team, as moving between GKs doesn’t seem a wise choice which could unsettle a back-line.

In addition, Eddie Nketiah could come back into the starting XI for this game ahead of Leo Trossard having started against Everton without impressing. Gabriel Jesus will almost certainly start, leaving Arteta with the headache of who to use in the number nine slot.

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