After a disappointing result against Middlesbrough, Arsenal were back on track last weekend with a 4-1 victory at the Stadium of Light. They left it late to take all three points from their European fixture in the midweek but their biggest test will be their crunch clash against bitter North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are yet to be beaten in the league this season and will surely give their best on their short trip to the Emirates and the Gunners will have to be sharp to get anything from this game. It is a must-win in the race to the top early this season and here is the predicted lineup that Wenger might field for this game:
Team News:
The manager revealed that midfielder Santi Cazorla is doubtful for the game while Nacho Monreal is fighting to get back to full fitness before the weekend, but Wenger is hopeful that the duo will return. Bellerin should be back in action after picking up a knock in the midweek while Kieran Gibbs will also be assessed before the game.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Petr Cech:
The first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal, Cech had a couple of decent games in the league recently and will be high on confidence for this game.
Hector Bellerin:
The Spaniard has to be a bit aware of the attacking threat that the Spurs possess and will play an important role if the home side are to walk away with all three points.
Laurent Koscielny:
One of the best defenders in the league, Koscielny has been superb at the back for the Gunners and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Shkodran Mustafi:
The German has taken no time to settle in at the Emirates and is already one of the best defenders in the league this season. He is an automatic starter for the Gunners.
Nacho Monreal:
Though still fighting to get back to full fitness, Monreal is the first choice left-back for Wenger and should start if fit.
Granit Xhaka:
His discipline or the lack of it is a problem for Arsenal according to the manager but he will back in the starting XI now that he is available after serving his suspension.
Santi Cazorla:
The former Malaga man will be a key figure for the Gunners and will have to be at his best. The manager will be letting him do his usual work and will hope that he could produce some deadly balls up front.
Theo Walcott:
The English winger was absent for the game against Ludogorets with a hamstring struggle but he is back fit and will back in action at the weekend.
Mesut Ozil:
The German scored one of the goals of the season in the Champions League and will be hoping to put in a similar performance in this crunch derby.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain:
Having got just 15 minutes under his belt in the UCL, the winger should be ready for action at the weekend and will start this game against Spurs.
Alexis Sanchez:
Though used on the left in the Champions League, Sanchez should be back in his false-9 position for this league game against the Spurs.