After a humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal will look to continue their winning run in the league and put pressure on table toppers Manchester City as the Gunners host their local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby on Sunday. How will they line-up for the clash? Here is their possible playing XI
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
It is certain that Summer signing Petr Cech will be the Arsenal goalkeeper for the game against Spurs.
Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal
Arsenal will be jolted by the injury to their in-form right-back Hector Bellerin and will miss the match. Frenchman Mathieu Debuchy will get the nod in the playing XI. Bellerin’s Spanish compatriot Nacho Monreal, who is haveing a great season will start as the left-back. Laurent Koscielny, who didn’t play against Bayern due to a hip injury is 80% fit and his participation in the derby will be decided after a fitness test on Saturday. If he is fit, he will play alongside Per Mertasacker. If he is ruled out, Gabriel will be accompanying the German.
Midfield: Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, Joel Campbell, Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez
Arsenal’s midfield will remain the same that faced Bayern Munich mid-week. Frenchman Francis Coquelin will be the holding midfielder along with i-form Santi Cazorla. Injuries to Welshman Aaron Ramsey and England’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain means that Joel Campbell will get an extended run in the right wings. Campbell scored a goal against Swansea last week and will look to continue his good run against Spurs. Chilean International Alexis Sanchez, who looked tired in the Bayern game will start from the left and Mesut Ozil will be deployed right behind the striker in the number 10 role.
Forward: Olivier Giroud
Frenchman Olivier Giroud, who is on a goal scoring spree will start for Arsenal as the striker against Spurs and will look to continue his good form.
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