Arsenal predicted XI v Spurs: Mikel Arteta starts 20-year-old, while ‘really good’ attacker drops out

Add as preferred source on Google

The North London derby is once again upon us as Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Both sides are eager for much-needed points in the race for Europe as well as, of course, local bragging rights.

Mikel Arteta’s charges are currently 10th in the Premier League table, having picked up 38 points from 27 matches this season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham sit seventh in the standings on 45 points, six behind fourth-placed Chelsea with two games in hand on the West Londoners.

Despite up-and-down seasons, both sides will go into the derby on the back of impressive wins in the Europa League.

Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners over Olympiakos in their last-16 first leg in Athens and, on top of that, all the Gunners players emerged unscathed.

Indeed, Arteta has no injury worries ahead of the derby, and every player in the first team is available.

With that in mind, who could the Arsenal boss name in his starting XI?

Pablo Mari has partnered David Luiz at centre-back in back-to-back league games, but Gabriel Magalhaes really impressed in midweek.

Given just how good the 23-year-old was against Olympiakos – a solid defensive display, a goal and an assist – we reckon he’ll keep his place alongside Luiz.

On the flanks, meanwhile, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin are likely to keep their places.

In front of the back four, Granit Xhaka is all-but certain to start, while Thomas Partey should once again get the nod alongside him.

Further up, Willian has been in great form in recent weeks – Arteta said he was “really good again” against Olympiakos – but he may be in line for a rest, with Nicolas Pepe taking over.

Likewise, with Emile Smith Rowe fit again, the impressive Martin Odegaard could make way for the 20-year-old Hale End gem.

Finally, Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should complete the XI.

Arsenal predicted XI v Spurs (4-2-3-1): Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe; Aubameyang