Two changes - Predicted Arsenal starting XI to face Tottenham in North London derby

Arsenal are now just a matter of hours away from their North London derby clash with Tottenham. The Gunners have picked up seven points from their first three games, and they return from the international break to face their toughest test yet.

Injuries won’t help, with Martin Odegaard battling an ankle issue and Declan Rice suspended. As Mikel Arteta weighs up his options, we have put together a predicted Gunners starting XI for the North London derby at Spurs.

GK - David Raya

Raya is Arsenal’s undisputed number one and a guaranteed starter.

RB - Ben White

White remains Arsenal’s best option at right-back with Takehiro Tomiyasu remaining out. He will likely keep his place even when the Japan international does return.

CB - William Saliba

Saliba is pretty much a guaranteed starter with Timber, White and Calafiori, who is a doubt, likely seen as full-back options currently.

CB - Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel is Saliba’s steady partner and that is not likely to change here.

LB - Jurrien Timber

Timber will be battling Zinchenko for a starting role here, especially with Riccardo Calafiori a doubt. It’s a coinflip but Timber started last time out.

CDM - Thomas Partey

Partey has drawn some criticism for his ability on the ball of late, but with midfield availability issues, he is likely to keep his place.

CDM - Jorginho

With Declan Rice out through suspension Jorginho is the safest option, given his experience and knowhow in big games. The young Ethan Nwaneri could be an option, but this is a big game to throw him into, while Oleksandr Zinchenko could potentially play here.

CAM - Leandro Trossard

Martin Odegaard needs a miracle recovery with his ankle to start this game. It’s true that ligament injuries can heal quickly, but the turnaround is very quick and especially with travel involved on the back end of the international break. Arteta may simply be keeping his cards close to his chest by suggesting the midfielder will be available, and even if he is, it’s likely it will only be on the bench. Trossard is the obvious replacement.

LW - Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli was dropped for the Brighton clash, but with Trossard likely to come in in the middle, it’s likely the Brazilian will reclaim his spot on the left-hand side.

RW - Bukayo Saka

Undroppable. Saka is Arsenal’s main danger man and will start on the right hand side.

CF - Kai Havertz

With Gabriel Jesus battling to return from a groin injury in time, it’s likely the Brazilian will start on the bench, and Arteta is likely to stick with Havertz in any case.