William Saliba and Gabriel have formed one of the league's best centre-back partnerships. (Image: Getty)
Defence: White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber
Despite the injury crisis in front of the defence, Arteta should still be able to select a first-choice backline.
William Saliba returned injury-free from international duty, while regular partner Gabriel is also fit and firing to go.
Getting hurt playing for his country isn’t something Ben White has to worry about at the moment, with the Englishman set to start in his usual spot on the right-hand side of defence.
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Speculation on social media has been rife this week about the possible routes Arteta might go down to fix Arsenal’s midfield problem, with talk teenager Ethan Nwaneri could be handed his first-ever Premier League start.
But given the magnitude of the contest, we’re predicting Arteta sticks with his (albeit limited) tried and tested options, starting with a double pivot of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Partey has started all three Premier League games this season so could be considered a shoo-in already, while Champions League and European Championship winner Jorginho has the experience to handle the biggest of stages.
As for the final spot in Arteta’s midfield three, we’re predicting that goes to Kai Havertz.
Raheem Sterling has spent the international break training with his team-mates. (Image: Getty)
Attack: Saka, Trossard, Sterling
The only certainty in attack for Arsenal, should he stay fit, is Bukayo Saka, with the winger having scored in both home and away fixtures last season.
Operating down the middle, given Havertz is in the No.10 role, could end up being Leonardo Trossard, who deputised in that position at times last season.
Finally then, what better way for Raheem Sterling to mark his Arsenal arrival than having a say in the north London derby.
When quizzed on his potential involvement, Arteta said: “First of all, because he’s got a big smile on his face, a lot of energy, he’s at it and wants to prove a point. When someone’s got that in his belly, you sense it straight away.
"Obviously I don’t need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team."
He’s our pick to start off the left, meaning Gabriel Martinelli remains on the bench.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Spurs: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Sterling
