Mikel Arteta to axe Merino in three changes – Arsenal predicted XI v Tottenham
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal host Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham in the North London derby on Wednesday evening.
Tottenham travel to the Emirates on 15 January with hopes of seeing an improvement in the performance that saw them scrape through the FA Cup against Tamworth.
An away clash against the Gunners will provide a stern test, with both sides ravaged by injuries and both managers under pressure to keep their job in North London.
With those injuries in mind, Arteta will be forced into at least one change from their EFL Cup defeat to Manchester United, with another two to be expected.
Mikel Arteta to make three changes v Tottenham
David Raya will keep his place between the sticks despite a perhaps below-par performance against the Red Devils, having conceded in the game from just 0.41 xGOT [FotMob].
Arteta is likely to name an unchanged defence that will see Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly occupy the full-back roles.
Timber impressed against Ruben Amorim’s side, having registered a 94 per cent pass accuracy while winning 67 per cent of his ground defensive duels.
Lewis-Skelly once again played above his years, winning four of his five defensive ground duels before being withdrawn before extra time.
Gabriel scored Arsenal’s only goal of the game from an xG of just 0.13, while winning 83 per cent of his aerial duels. Saliba is likely to partner him again.
A midfield three of Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice will be expected, with Jorginho and Merino dropping to the bench.
Merino struggled to get to grips against Man United with a woeful 67 per cent pass accuracy before being hooked in the 67th minute.
Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury and Raheem Sterling is likely to be his replacement on the right of the front three.
After his introduction in the 40th minute, the Englishman registered an impressive 97 per cent pass accuracy while creating one chance.
Kai Havertz should keep his place up top, while Gabriel Martinelli could keep his place on the left flank.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs fans were not pleased with an advert involving Sol Campbell.
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