Mikel Arteta will ring the changes from the Everton clash but will likely keep an unchanged Arsenal lineup from midweek for the North London Derby.
The North London Derby is upon the Emirates, and for Arsenal, it is an ample opportunity to go above their local rivals in the standings. Only goal difference puts Tottenham above in second, but Mikel Arteta will aim to change that on Sunday.
Martin Odegaard’s new contract, goalkeeping situation, and injury updates dominated Arteta’s press conference. Whether the manager has chosen his No.1 for the NLD, he said, “No, I haven’t decided.”
On Odegaard’s new deal, Arteta expressed his delight and what it means for Arsenal. He said, “It’s great news for the club, great news for the team, I’m really happy for him as well because he really deserves that. It just shows that there are many ways to make it and many pathways to arrive where you want.”
“In the end, it’s about finding a place where you feel comfortable, where you feel valued and you can express your talent. I think he’s found that place. He’s loved by everybody, respected by everybody and he fully deserves what he’s doing.”
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Gabriel Martinelli hobbled off with a hamstring problem against Everton and did not feature in midweek. Thomas Partey has been absent before the international break, and there is no visible update on the Ghanaian’s return. Arteta insisted Partey remains out, but there is still some hope with the Brazilian to feature on Sunday.
Arteta continued, “With Gabi we are still assessing him, so let’s see if he can make the game or not. Thomas for sure is out. The rest we hope are available, yes we still have two training sessions, but there were no big issues in midweek.”
Arsenal do not have any fresh concerns from their smashing UEFA Champions League opener against PSV Eindhoven. There are also question marks whether he will change his lineup from that game heading into the NLD, and an unchanged side could feature, with doubts over a single position as things stand.
In goal, David Raya has done nothing to suggest Aaron Ramsdale could have a way back in so soon. Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko will form the back four ahead of the Spaniard.
Declan Rice is the obvious choice to sit at the base of midfield. Kai Havertz’s midweek displays could have encouraged Arteta to hand him a start on Sunday. Odegaard will retain the attacking role among the three, and his contract extension will have boosted him to perform even better than he is currently.
Bukayo Saka will start on the right flank unchallenged, with Leandro Trossard on the left, with the latter looking to make it three goals in as many games in all competitions. Gabriel Jesus was sharp enough against PSV to suggest he may have shut the door on Eddie Nketiah for the time being, as the Brazilian will lead the line for the Gunners.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
