Thursday, March 28, 2024

Saka out, 5 changes: Arsenal’s predicted line up to face Tottenham

Arsenal host Tottenham in what will be an important North London Derby on Sunday.

The Gunners had a testing game against Olympiacos on Thursday and have the second leg to come next week. League fixtures against Liverpool and West Ham are also around the corner.

With that in mind, Mikel Arteta has some big decisions to make for his lineup against Spurs, in what many will view as a must-not-lose fixture. Arsenal and Arteta’s recent history against Jose Mourinho is not good, but Mikel will be desperate to change that.

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno

Defence: Kieran Tierney, Pablo Mari, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares
Mari has been in great form lately and his aerial ability will be beneficial in countering what Kane offers. Gabriel was great on Thursday but Mari has done nothing to lose his place. Rob Holding should be fresh and with errors creeping into David Luiz, it could be time for the Brazilian to sit out. Cedric should be fresh to start on the right.

Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey; Nicolas Pepe, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe
Arteta is likely to remain with the midfield duo of Xhaka and Partey, especially after Thomas was removed after just 55 minutes in Greece. Pepe is surely set to come into the starting lineup, after sitting out of the last couple. Smith Rowe made a return to injury on Thursday from the bench and should be fresh to start this game. Saka could be left on the bench in view of the number of minutes he has played recently and his drop-off in form.

Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang is likely to continue leading the line for Arteta, with the Spaniard now favouring his captain as the central figure in the attack.

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