Mikel Arteta’s men will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they welcome fierce local rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table was reduced to four points prior to the international break as Manchester City beat Liverpool following the Gunners’ dramatic 2-2 draw away at Sunderland.
David Raya’s place in goal is guaranteed as usual but right infront of him is the big question mark due to the absence of Gabriel.
There have been many suggested variations of the back four that Arteta should use on Sunday, but the safest route is to pick Mosquera – who already has experience in big games this season – to partner up with Saliba.
At left-back, it would be best to not risk Calafiori – after his fitness concerns from international duty – and in Lewis-Skelly, there is a more than capable (and derby-passionate) replacement for the Italian.
Timber, Zubimendi and Rice remain some of the first names on the team sheet while Eze will have a chance to make his mark in a north London derby for the very first time.
Merino is the only decent centre-forward option available due to Arsenal’s continued injury woes in attack while Trossard and Saka retain their place.
**PREDICTED TEAM**
**Raya**
**Timber – Mosquera – Saliba – Lewis-Skelly**
**Zubimendi – Rice**
**Eze**
**Saka – Merino – Trossard**