Early Arsenal predicted XI for North London derby as Mikel Arteta makes Riccardo Calafiori decision

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Although Mikel Arteta still has a fair few players away with their respective international teams, the Arsenal manager will already have a pretty good idea of who he intends to start in the North London derby.

Arsenal travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where they won 3-2 last season, weathering a late comeback from their rivals.

On that day, along with an own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz scored Arsenal’s goals – two names nailed on to start again.

That being said, Arteta does have a crucial decision to make when replacing Declan Rice, who will unfortunately miss the game through suspension.

Rice was ‘superb’ for England against Ireland, a performance that showcased everything Arsenal will be missing.

But in Riccardo Calafiori, Arteta may still have an exciting solution.

Arsenal wait on Riccardo Calafiori injury news ahead of North London derby

Unfortunately, Calafiori suffered an injury whilst away with Italy, meaning he’s returned to north London early as a precaution.

The issue is thought to be minor, a knock to the Italian’s calf, and therefore it is still hoped that Calafiori will be fit.

Therefore, Arsenal’s early predicted XI for the derby comes with a caveat – Calafiori may or may not be ready.

But if he is, it’s hard not to imagine that the £42m defender will head straight into the side, the kind of game the passionate Italian was made for.

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That being said, if Calafiori plays at left-back then Arteta can use the incredibly versatile Jurrien Timber in midfield, a position he should have no issue playing.

Perhaps it will effectively look as if Timber is starting parallel to Thomas Partey in reality, but the Dutchman would definitely also have an attacking licence as the left sided eight.

Gabriel Martinelli is ready to revive his Arsenal fortunes vs Tottenham

Presuming all of Arsenal’s other internationals return fit and ready – fingers crossed, there only appears to be one significant decision for Arteta to make elsewhere.

After signing Raheem Sterling on deadline day, Arsenal now have three strong options at left-wing.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have already been competing to start on the left, and will now be pushed even further.

Interestingly, all three of the wingers remained at London Colney over the break, not selected by their respective national teams.

But it’s likely that Martinelli will be given the nod against Tottenham’s high line, a player with the pace to exploit Arsenal’s rivals.

Arsenal have to give Martinelli another chance, a young forward who is struggling for confidence right now but still has world-class potential to unlock.