Thomas Partey out, Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield and Martin Odegaard to return: How Arsenal could line up for north London derby against Tottenham w

29/09/2022 14:00

Arsenal are gearing up for ‘the most tasty north London derby in years’, according to Andros Townsend. The Gunners go into the clash with Tottenham sitting top of the table after a stunning start to the season. Arteta is hoping for another big performance in the north London derbyGetty Spurs are also in a great place, something that Andros Townsend believes could make this weekend’s clash a classicGetty With Spurs going into the clash on the back of a 6-2 victory over Leicester, ex-Tottenham winger Townsend believes that it could be one to remember. Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Townsend said: “I think that both are in great positions. “If you ask both sets of fans it’s probably the first time in a long while that both sides are positive and both sets of fans only have positive things to say about their club, their manager and their players. “I think that it’s probably one of the most tasty north London derbies that we’ll see in many years and hopefully the game actually lives up to expectations.” As far as Arsenal are concerned, Mikel Arteta has some big decisions to make. Part of the Gunners’ success has been built on a defence that has conceded just seven goals in seven matches so far this term. Most read in Football statement Denmark's World Cup kits revealed as Hummel announce 'protest against Qatar' expand Arsenal and Liverpool owners join Chelsea in plans to become 'multi-club networks' quit Alexander-Arnold told to retire from England duty after Southgate's Trippier 'insult' hurdle Saudi club 'negotiated' £210m contract with Ronaldo but were stopped by transfer ban call Former Everton star's dad claims his son has been summoned to serve in Russian army crazy Video shows ex-Charlton manager Guy Luzon slap his own player during match Ramsdale is Arsenal’s number one and will be vying to become England’s number one in the coming weeks Aaron Ramsdale has been a key part of that success at the back with the England goalkeeper set to continue keeping Matt Turner out of the team. Arsenal’s defensive line has been a big success with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes forming one of the most efficient partnerships in the league. While that forced Ben White out of his natural position, the 24-year-old has found a home at right-back. Kieran Tierney had started to find his feet again following a troubling spell with injury, however he was taken off for Scotland as a precautionary measure following a knock to the head. Tierney hobbled off during Scotland’s clash with Ukraine as a precautionary measure due to a head injuryGetty The hope for Arsenal fans will be that he’s fit to take his place at left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko is another option with Football London reporting that he’s likely to be fit to return against Tottenham. He could slot in at left back, but with Thomas Partey suffering an injury while on international duty with Ghana, the chances are that the Ukrainian will be asked to fill in in the middle of the park alongside the in-form Granit Xhaka. Martin Odegaard was an absentee for the 3-0 victory over Brentford and was replaced by Fabio Vieira, who certainly took his opportunity with a sublime goal. Odegaard looks set to return for Arsenal, according to reportsGetty However, with Arsenal skipper Odegaard set to return from his knock, it means that Vieira could drop back to the bench. In terms of the Gunners’ attacking trio, the positions almost pick themselves. Gabriel Martinelli has enjoyed a great start to the season with three goals in seven appearances so far, but after missing out on a spot in Brazil’s squad during the international break, the 21-year-old should be fit and firing against Tottenham. Bukayo Saka did receive an international call with England, but is certain to start. Arsenal’s front three picks itself with Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in the form of their livesGetty Eddie Nketiah will no doubt be hoping for an opportunity to impress from the start, but given Gabriel Jesus’s form, it’s hard to see that happening any time soon. Four goals and three assists in eight appearances so far this term makes the striker one of the Premier League’s most in-form stars and that cements his spot in the starting line-up for what will be his first north London derby in the red of Arsenal. Arsenal team to face Tottenham Here’s how Arteta’s side could shape up for the north London derby Watch the World Cup with talkSPORT At talkSPORT we are powered by fans, so come and join us for the ultimate World Cup fan experience this winter – at the talkSPORT Fan Zone. In a huge indoor venue under the arches at Waterloo in London, we’ll bring you live screenings of every World Cup game. There will be Q&As with talkSPORT talent, you’ll be part of our live broadcasts, and there will be plenty of food and drink on offer too. Come and enjoy the best World Cup fan experience in London – and enjoy a pint on us – with tickets for England and Wales’ group stage games on sale now HERE!