How Arsenal could line up against Tottenham Hotspur

By Matt Law | 12 Mar 2021 15:27, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:31

Arsenal will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they welcome bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners, who are currently down in 10th position in the table, have a fully-fit squad for the North London derby, with Emile Smith Rowe recovering from a recent injury to feature in Thursday's 3-1 win over Olympiacos in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.

Arteta is expected to hand a recall to Pablo Mari in the heart of the defence, while Hector Bellerin's speed and experience could see him given the nod over Calum Chambers, who started against Burnley last weekend.

There are not expected to be many surprises in the home side's starting XI on Sunday, with Bukayo Saka, Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all set to start.

Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, should be given the nod over Smith Rowe in a central position, having played a key role in Thursday's European success.

The only other serious talking point comes on the left, where Willian is battling Nicolas Pepe; the former has been in impressive form in recent games, but Arteta could decide to switch it for the clash with Jose Mourinho's side, allowing Pepe to return to the XI.

Alexandre Lacazette is Arsenal's joint-leading goalscorer in the Premier League this term with nine but is likely to again be on the bench alongside the likes of Dani Ceballos and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Mari, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Pepe; Aubameyang

> Click here to see how Tottenham could line up for this contest