"Pray for Spurs", "This team gonna cook" - Arsenal fans sound confident as Mikel Arteta names starting XI vs Tottenham
Arsenal fans are full of confidence ahead of their upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. The two clubs are set to clash at the New White Hart Lane on Sunday, September 15, with the Gunners pushing for the three points that will help them climb up the league table.
The Gunners are in 6th place with seven points at the moment and a game in hand over other teams above them. If they manage to beat Spurs, they will leapfrog four teams and sit in second place with 10 points, behind Manchester City, who have 12 points.
Manager Mikel Arteta has named a strong starting XI to win those important three points. He has entrusted the goalkeeping position to David Raya once more, with Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White filling up the back line from left to right.
With the absence of Declan Rice - due to suspension, and Martin Odegaard's injury, Arteta has opted for Jorginho and Thomas Partey in holding midfield. Ahead of them, Leandro Trossard will deputize for Odegaard in the playmaker role. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will play on the right and left attacking flanks, with Kai Havertz as striker.
Arsenal fans feel confident that they can win this match, as they took to social media to share their delight.
"This team gonna cook," promised a fan.
"I Don't care, we are winning this!" one fan claimed.
"Nice lineup we’re demolishing Tottenham today," another promised.
"Let's cook some Spurs," a fourth demanded.
"Saka hatty ⏳" a fifth claimed.
"Pray for spurs," a Gooner said.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta earlier refused to rule Martin Odegaard out for North London derby
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke about Martin Odegaard's injury during the pre-match press conference but refused to rule him out of the game. The Norwegian playmaker hurt his ankle while on international duty with his country, during a 2-1 win over Austria on September 9.
Speaking about the midfielder's situation, Arteta made it clear that the extent of the injury had yet to be confirmed. He told the press (via Eurosport):
"We need some more tests so let's see what happens in the next day or so, this afternoon probably, and see what happens with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back. He is super positive about everything, we know Martin, he wants to be there every single day, but we have to wait and see."
He went on to add:
"With 48 hours until the game, players could always become available, but let's see what happens."
However, it has become clear that Odegaard will not feature, with the Arsenal captain not even making the bench for their trip to Tottenham Hotspur's stadium.