(4-2-3-1) Formation changed due to Declan Rice red card”, Possible Arsenal line up vs Tottenham – As Mikel Arteta faces Tough North London Derby away from Emirates
Declan Rice’s suspension has given Mikel Arteta a selection headache ahead of the north London derby after the international break.
The Gunners travel to rivals Tottenham next up looking to get back to winning ways after dropping two points in the 1-1 draw with Brighton.
That clash also saw Rice pick up a controversial second yellow card for delaying a quick Seagulls free-kick by flicking the ball away – earning him a one-match suspension.
His sending off has proven to be a major talking point, with John Terry labelling his red card as the ‘worst decision ever’, while ex-Spurs star Jamie O’Hara has also defended the England international.
But due to Rice being shown two yellows, his red card cannot be rescinded, much to the dismay of Arteta and the club’s fans.
Summer signing Mikel Merino would have been a natural replacement in the line-up in Arteta‘s 4-1-2-3 formation, consisting of one defensive midfielder and two No8s.
But the Spanish Euro 2024 winner picked up a shoulder knock in his first training session, which is believed to keep him sidelined for two months.
This leaves Arteta with the choice between adopting a new midfield system, or deploy versatile striker Kai Havertz in a deeper position.
The former would see Jorginho, who has been an unused substitute in each of Arsenal’s three Premier League games this season, come into the team.
Though this would mean Arteta would likely play him in a double pivot, which could impact Arsenal’s attacking threat at Spurs.
Arsenal predicted lineups against Tottenham
