Arsenal XI vs Tottenham : Merino and Havertz dropped, Sterling starts: 3 big changes | 4-3-3 possible line-up vs Tottenham…

Arsenal Expected lineup for the clash against Tottenham: Jesus sidelined for the season; Calafiori’s potential return?

Merino and Havertz omitted, Sterling included: 4-3-3 anticipated formation vs Tottenham

With Merino excluded and three significant changes made, here’s the predicted Arsenal lineup (4-3-3) against Tottenham following the decision on Havertz.

Arsenal is looking to bounce back in today’s Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners received a positive development yesterday with Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. A win in the north London derby would narrow the gap to the league leaders to four points.

Prior to the match, the club confirmed that Gabriel Jesus will not participate. The Brazilian forward is out for an extended period due to a serious knee injury sustained over the weekend.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has been the starting goalkeeper throughout the Premier League season.

He made a crucial save during extra time in the FA Cup third round against Manchester United, although he could have performed better in the penalty shootout. He will be aiming for a clean sheet this evening.

The defensive lineup is expected to remain unchanged. Jurrien Timber, who was substituted due to cramping, is anticipated to return to his position at right-back.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are set to continue as the central defensive pairing for Arsenal.

Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness will be evaluated after a minor injury, but it is unlikely that manager Mikel Arteta will take any risks with him.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has excelled in the left-back position and is expected to retain his spot for the derby.

A double substitution is anticipated in the midfield, with Jorginho and Mikel Merino likely to start on the bench. Their lack of recovery pace could be a disadvantage against Tottenham’s attacking style.

Thomas Partey is expected to take on the number six role, while Declan Rice should be reinstated to the starting lineup to partner Martin Odegaard in central midfield.

Rice was unfortunate in the previous match against United, where Altay Bayindir made two outstanding saves.

Raheem Sterling is expected to take the right wing position with Jesus unavailable. The England international demonstrated excellent distribution and direct dribbling during Sunday’s match.

Although he struggled with the final touch, his performance was encouraging.

Gabriel Martinelli is anticipated to retain his position on the left wing, preferred over Leandro Trossard, due to his speed on counter-attacks, which could pose challenges for Spurs’ makeshift defense.

Kai Havertz had a disappointing performance against United, missing two clear opportunities and failing to convert his penalty in the shoot-out.

Nevertheless, the manager has expressed confidence in him.

The German player has scored 12 goals this season and has a chance to make amends with a strong performance against Spurs.

This outlines how Arsenal might set up against Tottenham tonight.