Tottenham predicted lineup vs Arsenal - Premier League
- Tottenham host Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday afternoon
- Spurs have failed to win any of the past four clashes with the Gunners
- Lilywhites looking to bounce back from disappointing defeat to Newcastle
It's a gargantuan weekend in north London as Tottenham host Arsenal in the first derby of the 2024/25 campaign.
Ange Postecoglou's side, who have only managed four points from a possible nine, will be desperate to offer a more coherent performance than the one they provided in defeat to Newcastle United before the international break.
The Australian coach still awaits his first north London derby triumph and he will hope that Spurs can take advantage of a weakened Arsenal side this weekend.
The Lilywhites have their own fitness problems though. Dominic Solanke may well be absent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with his deputy Richarlison also stuck in the treatment room. Yves Bissouma has picked up a knock on international duty and is now a doubt, while Micky van de Ven missed the Newcastle loss before the international break.
Here is how Spurs could line up this weekend.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Guglielmo Vicario - The Italian goalkeeper's set piece struggles were evident once again at St James' Park, even if his indecisiveness didn't prove costly. Given Arsenal's threat from dead balls, he will need some help from teammates this weekend.
RB: Pedro Porro - Any defensive inconsistencies may be punished by Arsenal's right flank, whether it be Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli. However, his attacking threat will cause the Gunners plenty of problems.
CB: Cristian Romero - The Argentine will have to control his temper this Sunday. The last thing Spurs need is the fiery defender making a rash decision that turns the game in Arsenal's favour.
CB: Micky van de Ven - Having missed the Newcastle defeat before the international break, Van de Ven should return for the north London derby. The Dutchman's pace will be handy when Bukayo Saka makes darting runs in behind.
LB: Destiny Udogie - Udogie enjoyed a great battle with Saka at the Emirates Stadium last season and will be eager to wrestle with the winger again. Keeping the Englishman quiet is key to stifling Arsenal.
DM: Pape Matar Sarr - If Bissouma is to miss out through an injury suffered with Mali, then Sarr's defensive duties will increase significantly. The towering midfielder will be aiming to dominate a weakened Arsenal midfield.
DM: Rodrigo Bentancur - Bissouma's most likely replacement would be Bentancur, even if he's not his most natural one. He could prove key in dictating the tempo up against a much-changed Arsenal midfield.
RW: Brennan Johnson - Johnson completely altered the game when he came on at half-time against Newcastle, forcing Spurs' equaliser and proving a constant menace in the final third. He's surely earned a start.
AM: James Maddison - The former Leicester City midfielder dazzled at the Emirates last season with two assists for Heung-min Son and he will be pleased that compatriot Declan Rice is suspended for the weekend clash.
LW: Heung-min Son - Eight goals and two assists against Arsenal in past meetings, Son will be aiming to improve that record on Sunday. His battle with Ben White could prove decisive.
ST: Dejan Kulusevski - The Swede acted as a number nine in pre-season and did so again at St James' Park last time out. Spurs will hope to have Solanke fit this weekend but Kulusevski can pose a different threat for Gabriel and William Saliba.
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