Arsenal must win on Saturday, and here’s the XI I believe can go and beat Tottenham. Arsenal need to take more control and do something different to how they have performed in previous derbies. I believe this eleven would allow us to do so…
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Cech once again failed to save a penalty against Manchester City, but the Gunners will need him to step up and show his experience against Tottenham if Arsenal are to have any chance on Saturday.
Defence: Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal
Koscielny was rested in midweek for France, Mertesacker should return from sickness and Monreal is expected to complete what is probably Arsenal’s best back three. Can they stop Harry Kane though?
Wing Backs: Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac
Kolasinac has become a very important player for Arsenal, but have we seen enough of Bellerin yet? I don’t think so. Perhaps this could be the game for him to excel.
Central Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey
Wide Forwards: Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil
Bare with me, I think this could work. Wilshere has been playing in a wide forward role recently and this could be the game for him to come in and really prove his worth. Unlike most of the rest of the squad, Wilshere has not played for a couple of weeks and will be well rested and fired up for this one. Alexis Sanchez is not focused and Alex Iwobi is facing a late fitness test. Should Iwobi fail it, I’d love to see Wilshere rewarded with a start here. This line up would also give the Gunners a great amount of control in midfield.
Striker: Alexandre Lacazette
The Frenchman was left out of the line up against City, but came off the bench and nearly turned the game around for Arsenal with a well-taken goal. Wenger simply has to start Lacazette in this game, especially with Olivier Giroud injured and Lacazette scoring a brace against Germany in midweek.
P. Cech
Koscielny Mertesacker Monreal
Bellerin Xhaka Ramsey Kolasinac
Wilshere Lacazette M. Ozil