It is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season – the first North London Derby of the new Premier League season is here as Spurs host Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But, even at this early stage of the campaign, we could see some changed starting lineups for both sides. Arsenal will definitely be without Declan Rice, who is suspended after being sent off for the first time in his career against Brighton before the international break.
There are also question marks over new signing Riccardo Calafiori, who returned early from international duty with Italy after picking up a knock in the win over France. In fact, Arsenal could be without as many as seven players for the North London Derby.
Does that give Spurs a further edge? After all, home advantage will surely give them a slight edge anyway.
Tottenham, however, could be missing three players of their own for the big match. And maybe more, depending on what happens in the final international games of the week.
Dominic Solanke has missed two of Spurs’ three Premier League games so far this season, following his £65million move from Bournemouth. He picked up an ankle injury in the match with Leicester and missed the Everton and Newcastle matches as a result.
Richarlison came back from injury to come off the bench against Leicester on the opening day, and against his former club Everton on gameweek two. But he was also ruled out of the Newcastle game.
Another player to miss the trip to St James’ Park was defender Micky van de Ven – a knee injury suffered in the 4-0 win over Everton keeping him out of that match and the subsequent international break with the Netherlands.
Without those three again for a crucial match would even the odds somewhat, although Arsenal could of course be without seven players. It will be interesting to see the squad lists on Sunday afternoon.
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