Granit Xhaka returns to the starting lineup, while Nicolas Pepe has been relegated to the bench, with Arsenal naming a strong team against Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta has made his intentions clear by naming his strongest starting lineup this season. Arsenal have retained shape in defence, keeping the back four intact after collecting two consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League.
Aaron Ramsdale is preferred to Bernd Leno between the posts. Takehiro Tomiyasu takes his position at right-back, while Ben White and Gabriel continue their central defensive partnership for a third game running. Kieran Tierney will be hoping to create attacking moments from his left-back position.
? Your NLD team news…
??????? @AaronRamsdale98 in goal
?? @Thomaspartey22 starts
?? @Auba leads the line!? COME ON YOU GUNNERS! pic.twitter.com/kabrwJOdEi
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 26, 2021
Granit Xhaka returns to the lineup in midfield after serving a three-match domestic suspension that saw him miss the last two Premier League games. He partners Thomas Partey in a midfield double pivot, with the Ghanaian being a key player since returning from an ankle injury.
Emile Smith Rowe is preferred on the left side of the attack and comes into the team in place of Nicolas Pepe. Bukayo Saka takes Pepe’s position on the right-hand side, with Martin Odegaard moving to an advanced no.10 role.
Alexandre Lacazette is sent back to a substitute role on the bench despite starting and scoring in the midweek cup fixture. In the Frenchman’s stead, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the line for Arsenal against Tottenham in the North London Derby.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Xhaka, Partey, Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang
