Sterling debut, Gabriel Jesus starts and Havertz new role – Arsenal starting XI to face Tottenham in North London derby…

Arsenal’s starting XI for the North London derby against Tottenham features Sterling in his debut, Gabriel Jesus starting, and Havertz taking on a new role.

Two updates – Projected Arsenal starting lineup for the North London derby against Tottenham.

With Sterling making his first appearance, Jesus in the lineup, and Havertz adopting a different role, Arsenal’s starting XI is set for the North London derby against Tottenham.

Sterling’s debut, Calafiori in the lineup, and Havertz’s new position – Arsenal’s anticipated XI for the North London derby.

Arsenal is just hours away from their highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham. The Gunners have secured seven points from their opening three matches and are returning from the international break to face their most significant challenge yet.

Injuries pose a concern, with Martin Odegaard dealing with an ankle problem and Declan Rice serving a suspension. As Mikel Arteta considers his options, we have compiled a projected starting XI for Arsenal in the derby against Spurs.

GK – David Raya

Raya is firmly established as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper and is expected to start.

RB – Ben White

White continues to be Arsenal’s top choice at right-back, especially with Takehiro Tomiyasu unavailable. He is likely to retain his position even upon Tomiyasu’s return.

CB – William Saliba

Saliba is almost certain to start, with Timber, White, and Calafiori, who is currently a doubt, viewed as options for the full-back positions.

CB – Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel serves as a reliable partner to Saliba, and this pairing is expected to remain unchanged.

LB – Jurrien Timber

Timber will compete with Zinchenko for the starting left-back position, particularly with Riccardo Calafiori’s status uncertain. It’s a close call, but Timber was the starter in the previous match.

CDM – Thomas Partey

Despite facing some criticism regarding his ball control recently, Partey is likely to maintain his spot in the lineup due to midfield availability challenges.

CDM – Jorginho

With Declan Rice unavailable due to suspension, Jorginho emerges as the most reliable choice, leveraging his extensive experience in high-stakes matches.

While the young Ethan Nwaneri could be considered, this match presents a significant challenge for him. Oleksandr Zinchenko might also be a viable option in this position.

CAM – Leandro Trossard 

Martin Odegaard would need an extraordinary recovery from his ankle injury to participate in this match.

Although ligament injuries can sometimes heal rapidly, the timeline is tight, especially with the added travel following the international break.

Arteta may be strategically downplaying the midfielder’s availability, and even if he is fit, it’s probable he would only feature as a substitute. Trossard stands out as the most logical alternative.

LW – Gabriel Martinelli

After being left out of the lineup against Brighton, Martinelli is poised to regain his position on the left flank, especially with Trossard expected to take on a central role.

RW – Bukayo Saka

Saka is indispensable. He is Arsenal’s primary threat and will occupy the right wing.

With Gabriel Jesus working to recover from a groin injury, it is likely he will start on the bench, and Arteta is expected to continue with Havertz in the meantime.