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Arsenal lineup vs. Tottenham: Predicted XI for pre-season North London derby including Viktor Gyokeres debut decision

Gyokeres debut in North London derby? Predicted Arsenal XI vs. Spurs

Arsenal's new number 14 Viktor Gyokeres will be in line for his unofficial Gunners debut in Thursday's pre-season North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong.

The Sweden international was unveiled as an Arsenal player over the weekend and is already training with his new teammates in the Far East, although Mikel Arteta has remained typically coy when asked about his involvement.

Gyokeres should earn some minutes either way, but it would not be a surprise to see the 27-year-old introduced from the bench, meaning that Kai Havertz should continue to spearhead the attack.

Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman ran Newcastle United ragged on the right-hand side in Sunday's 3-2 win, but Bukayo Saka should reprise his role regardless, while Gabriel Martinelli bombs down the left.

Speaking of teenagers lighting up pitches, Ethan Nwaneri did exactly that against AC Milan last week and is in line to replace Martin Odegaard, potentially alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice in a menacing midfield.

However, Riccardo Calafiori sustained another injury blow at the weekend and should not be risked even if his affliction is minor, so the door is surely open for Cristhian Mosquera to make his Arsenal debut.

The Spaniard could occupy the left centre-back slot alongside William Saliba, while Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko also protect Kepa Arrizabalaga, who should earn a shot at guarding the posts from the first whistle.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Kepa; White, Saliba, Mosquera, Zinchenko; Nwaneri, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

> Click here to see how Spurs could line up for this game

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