Both Arsenal and Tottenham go into the first north London derby of the season facing the possibility of major changes to their starting line-ups.
The clash at the Emirates arrives at a crucial point, with Arsenal determined to protect their place at the top of the table, while Spurs will be eager to drag their rivals back into the pack and strengthen their own position in what is already shaping up to be an unpredictable title race.
Arsenal have enjoyed a strong run in this fixture recently, winning the last three derbies and staying unbeaten in all competitions since the final day of August.
Their momentum is clear, yet they still face significant uncertainty with several important players battling fitness doubts. The biggest concern centres on Gabriel, the commanding presence at the heart of their defence.
He limped off during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal and later had it confirmed as a right thigh injury. His reaction as he left the pitch suggested the seriousness of the problem, and now his availability looks slim. If he is unable to play, Yerson Mosquera appears the most likely replacement given his positive contributions in limited minutes this season.
Piero Hincapie is another possible option, although Arsenal may end up using him at left-back depending on the condition of Riccardo Calafiori.
Calafiori himself withdrew from the Italy squad over the break, leaving Arsenal to consider alternatives. Myles Lewis-Skelly could be trusted with the position if Calafiori is still unavailable.
The concerns do not end there, as right-back options also became complicated when Jurrien Timber picked up a knock while representing the Netherlands. Thankfully, he is expected to be fine, and the club believes he will be ready to start, lining up ahead of the ever-reliable David Raya.
In midfield, Mikel Arteta is likely to stick with a trio of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, a combination that has offered balance and control. Up front, Bukayo Saka remains an automatic starter on the right wing, while Leandro Trossard has made a strong case to keep his place on the left.
However, Arsenal could receive a major boost with the possible returns of Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both working their way back from injuries and may be in contention.
The centre-forward position brings yet another dilemma. Mikel Merino is expected to lead the line again as Viktor Gyökeres continues to struggle with a fitness issue.
Kai Havertz could also be included in the matchday squad for the first time since August, adding another option for Arteta as he finalises his attack.
As for the expected Arsenal XI, it currently shapes up as: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard and Merino.
Tottenham also face their own challenges with selection decisions. Guglielmo Vicario will start in goal, and Thomas Frank should be able to name his strongest back four. Cristian Romero, who was forced off with a knock against Manchester United, is fit and ready to play, which will be a huge relief for Spurs.
Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence are all expected to start alongside him, completing a defensive line that has looked much more solid this season.
Midfield brings complications, as Pape Matar Sarr remains a doubt after picking up an issue during Senegal’s match against Brazil. Although the injury is not believed to be severe, the coaching staff may avoid taking any risk.
If Sarr misses out, Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha would likely form the midfield partnership. Lucas Bergvall could return if he recovers fully from a concussion, while Xavi Simons is almost certain to feature with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski still out.
Spurs could receive timely good news with Mohamed Kudus returning fresh from the break. He was considered doubtful before their last match, but his recovery should now allow him to play on the right.
On the opposite side, Wilson Odobert is pushing for a starting spot, although Brennan Johnson and Kudus are also capable of switching wings depending on Frank’s tactical approach.
Richarlison is expected to lead the line once again, especially after Randal Kolo Muani withdrew from France duty with a fractured jaw. Spurs may also welcome the return of Dominic Solanke, who could join the squad for the first time since August as he completes his comeback from ankle surgery.
Tottenham’s likely XI stands as: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence, Palhinha, Bentancur, Simons, Kudus, Odobert and Richarlison.
Both sides walk into this derby with ambition, pressure and uncertainty. With big names missing and others returning at the perfect time, the stage is set for a dramatic clash at the Emirates.
