Merino dropped, three big changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Tottenham | OneFootball

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 this evening.

Arsenal have confirmed that Gabriel Jesus won’t be involved. The Brazilian international is out for the long term after picking up a serious knee injury last weekend.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya 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. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been brilliant as a deputy, and he should continue at left-back.

Midfielders Jorginho and Mikel Merino will drop to the bench. The duo lack recovery pace, which is essential against Spurs’ attacking playing style.

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

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.

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 bagged 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.