Merino dropped, 3 big changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Tottenham with Havertz decision made

Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways in today’s Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners received a boost yesterday with Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest. They can reduce the deficit to the leaders to four points with a victory in the north London derby.

Ahead of the game, the club have confirmed that Gabriel Jesus won’t be involved. The Brazil international is out for the long-term after picking up a serious knee injury at the weekend.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has played every minute of the Premier League campaign. He made a vital save in extra-time in the FA Cup third round against Manchester United but could have fared better in the penalty shoot-out. He will be eyeing a clean sheet tonight.

The backline could stay the same. Jurrien Timber was only substituted as he was cramping and should reclaim his place at right-back. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are assured starters in the heart of the defence for the Gunners.

Riccardo Calafiori needs to be assessed after a minor injury. We don’t see manager Mikel Arteta taking a risk with him. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been brilliant as a deputy, and the teenager should continue from the left-back role in the derby.

We expect a double change in the centre of the park with Jorginho and Mikel Merino dropping to the bench. The duo lack sufficient recovery pace, which is essential against Spurs’ attacking playing style.

Thomas Partey should feature in the number six role. Declan Rice should be reinstated into the XI to partner Martin Odegaard in central midfield. Rice was unlucky against United as Altay Bayindir made two stellar saves.

Further forward, Raheem Sterling looks poised to start on the right wing with Jesus out. The England international was superb with his distribution and direct dribbling on Sunday. He lacked the final end product but showed plenty of promise.

Gabriel Martinelli is likely to continue on the left wing ahead of Leandro Trossard due to his pace on the counter-attack, which could unsettle Spurs’ makeshift defence. Kai Havertz had a bad outing against United. He squandered two clear-cut chances before missing his penalty in the shoot-out.

Despite this, he has received a vote of confidence from the manager. The German has 12 goals for the campaign and has the opportunity to redeem himself with a strong showing against Spurs.

How Arsenal could line up vs Tottenham tonight

Stats from Transfermarkt.com