Raheem Sterling debut, Calafiori to bench Gabriel”, possible Arsenal line up vs Tottenham – as Mikel Arteta vows to correct past mistakes
New Arsenal signing Raheem Sterling could be in line for his Arsenal debut, in an incredible occasion as Arsenal travel for their first North London derby of the season.
Many stars are beginning to align, some less pleasant than others, which could grant the former Liverpool and Man City star his Arsenal debut in this fixture.
Arsenal will be forced into changes due to Declan Rice’s red card. Picking up two yellow card against Brighton means that Declan Rice is suspended for the North London derby, so Mikel Arteta must make at least one change.
If recent reports from England are to be believed, Mikel Arteta is toying with the idea of playing Raheem Sterling in a new position next weekend.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal could experiment by playing Raheem Sterling as a false nine against Tottenham. This would mean Kai Havertz reverting to play as a left-midfielder, even if only for one game.
Also stated in the report is Raheem Sterling’s eagerness to help out. He is open to playing in a new position if it means helping out Mikel Arteta, with a mutual respect between the two former Man City professionals.
In case you missed it, the midfield could do with as much help as it can get, hence the Kai Havertz decision. Declan Rice is suspended and new summer signing Mikel Merino is injured.
Factoring this in with the wholesale outgoings sanctioned by Arsenal in the summer transfer window, it leaves them depleted for the North London derby.
Raheem Sterling is dynamic and he proved at Man City, under Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s tactical guidance, that he can bag goals. What a time it would be for him to score his first Arsenal goal, he would become a fan favourite instantly.
So, Arsenal could field a very attack-centric lineup against Tottenham. If this report is to be believed, they would have a midfield three of Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, with an attacking line of Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard (or Martinelli).
It would be an exciting lineup and not one that should fear Arsenal fans. While Declan Rice will be missed, Kai Havertz is an equal stature and he has proven an eagerness to get involved in duels, so he could fulfil that missing Rice presence. Anything can happen in the North London derby, after all.
