One of the fiercest and entertaining derbies is upon us as North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham face each other in the Premier League. The pair had already met in the league cup where Arsenal came out with a hard-fought win. More than red cards, which are a common feature in the Merseyside derby, this game has seen a glut of goals, 4-4’s, 5-3’s and some amazing attacking football from both side, this game is going to be one of the most entertaining from this season.
With so much talent between the two clubs who are in the right end of the table, we provide a starting XI with the best players from the two teams with form this season being the most important factor in picking our combined XI.
Petr Cech
Petr Cech
Hugo Lloris is an outstanding goalkeeper and had it been any other goalkeeper going against him, it would have been the Frenchman winning easily, but we are talking about a legend in Petr Cech. The former Chelsea goalkeeper had a rather slow start to his Arsenal career but has given them the stability and leadership they have wanted from a world class goalkeeper for years.
Hector Bellerin
The Flash, Hector Bellerin speeds past any other options for the right back in this North London XI. The Spaniard might not be fit at the moment, but he has been one of the most impressive players for Arsenal this season and easily makes it into this team.
Laurent Koscielny
Kos the Boss also makes it easily into the team, he is probably one of the best centre-backs in the country despite having a poor start to his Arsenal career a few years ago. Just goes to show that niggling away at stuff does make you better and the French defender is one such example of hard work paying off.
Toby Alderweireld
The Belgian has slotted extremely well into the Tottenham team while Spurs have had more experienced defenders in Vertonghen and Arsenal have Mertesacker, the young Belgian actually makes it into the team thanks to his performances this season.
Nacho Monreal
Another position where the Arsenal team wins, Monreal has also been one of the better players in his position between both clubs. The Spaniard was often played as a centre-back last season but playing as the left-back shows what he can do in defence and his delivery and consistency make him our choice for this position.
Francis Coquelin
There really can’t be any other player who gets into the defensive midfielder’s role between the clubs. Erik Dier might be playing extremely well, but Coquelin has been starring for Arsenal since last season and is the choice in our North London XI.
Francis Coquelin
Santi Cazorla
Who else can play alongside the French midfielder than the Spanish maestro, Cazorla has been excelling in this role since he was shifted last year and hasn’t looked back. He might not have the physique to throw many defenders off, but his passing range and movement are probably second to none.
Alexis Sanchez
Every team needs to have someone who can turn it on and that is Alexis Sanchez, the Chilean has been phenomenal for the Gunners ever since he moved to London from Barcelona. Sanchez can assist, score and trouble any team in the world; he could be doing that to Tottenham in the derby as well.
Mesut Ozil
The German has finally started to show his worth after a season or two of rather mediocre performances, Ozil is one of the leader’s this season in assists and has created a ton of chances for his Arsenal teammates, any team would love to have him on their side.
Christian Eriksen
An Arsenal player might have made it here had they not been injured, Eriksen though has been brilliant for Spurs ever since he moved to the club from Ajax. The Spurs attacker is one of the best in dead-ball situations and cannot be left out of the squad.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane
One of the tougher decisions to make when deciding who should lead the line, Olivier Giroud has slowly gotten his performances back on-track for Arsenal, but Harry Kane has scored five goals in his last three games and just about gets ahead of the French striker but only just.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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