Full Arsenal squad revealed for North London derby vs Tottenham as Arteta faces midfield dilemma

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 Arsenal will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches when they lock horns with north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium 


The Gunners, who were beaten 2-0 by Spurs in the reverse fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in December, maintained their recent run of solid form with an impressive 3-1 victory over Greek outfit Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening.

Goals from Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes and Mohamed Elneny sealed the win for the Gunners, meaning they hold a big advantage ahead of the second-leg later this week. But before they can think about their renewing their quest to try and win the Europa League this season, the Gunners have the small matter of a North London derby tussle with Spurs to navigate.

Arsenal head into this afternoon's clash seven points behind their archest rivals in the table, meaning they must win to stand any chance of finishing above Jose Mourinho's team this season.

If the Gunners, who are winless in their last five meetings with Spurs, are to stand any chance of claiming the derby day bragging rights they will have to keep the likes of Son Heung-min, Gareth Bale and Harry Kane qu iet. The trio have been in excellent form throughout the campaign and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is fully aware of the problems they will put to his defenders this afternoon.

“It’s very difficult because the level of quality, precision, understanding and chemistry that they have between them makes them probably one of the most special (attacks) in Europe,” Arteta said

“And they don’t need much. They are able to create their own chances, they are able to link as a team.

“So it is really difficult to do, but we will prepare the game well to try to stop them obviously.”

For the first time in a while, Arteta will head into this afternoon's contest with every member of his first-team squad fit and available for selection. In the build-up to the midweek win over Olympiacos, the Gunners had doubts over the fitness of Emile Smith Rowe, but he overcame his hip problem and stepped off the bench in the latter stages of the contest.

With everyone fit and available, it could leave the Spaniard facing a selection headache, particularly in midfield and attack. Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey started in the defensive-midfield roles in midweek whilst Odegaard started ahead of them.

But after Elneny, who scored the Gunners' third goal, and Smith Rowe stepped off the bench, they will be pushing for starting berths.

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