Declan Rice's suspension could reignite Arsenal's experiment and the new signing could make his debut in the starting XI against Tottenham
Declan Rice's suspension has given Mikel Arteta a selection headache ahead of the north London derby after the international break.
He Gunners The next match will be against Chelsea's rival Tottenham, and they will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing two points in a 1-1 draw with Brighton.
In that clash, Rice also won a Controversial second yellow card for delaying a quick Seagulls free-kick by touching the ball with his finger, earning him a one-match suspension.
His sending off has been a major talking point, with John Terry labelling his red card the 'The worst decision ever made'while former Spurs star Jamie O'Hara also defended The English international.
But because of Rice Having received two yellow cards, his red card cannot be revoked, much to the dismay of Arteta and the club's fans.
Summer signing Mikel Merino would have been a natural replacement in the lineup ArtetaThe 4-1-2-3 formation, composed of a defensive midfielder and two number 8s.
But the Spanish winner of Euro 2024 took a shoulder tap in his first training session, which is expected to keep him off the court for two months.
This leaves Arteta with the option of adopting a new midfield system or deploying a versatile striker. Kai Havertz in a deeper position.
The first would see Jorginhowho has been an unused substitute in each of Arsenal's three Premier League games this season, joins the squad.
Although this would mean Arteta would likely put him in a double pivot, which could affect Arsenal's attacking threat in Spurs.
Meanwhile, dropping Havertz into midfield would see Arsenal lose their main focal point up front, with the German, who began his career at the Emirates as a No.8, the club's top scorer with two goals this season.
Here's how talkSPORT.com predicts how Arsenal could start in the north London derby on September 15.
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David Raya is Arsenal's undisputed No. 1 between the sticks following Aaron Ramsdale's permanent departure to Southampton on the final day of the transfer window.
The Spaniard has made a number of impressive saves in each of the club's first three games, and is a key reason why the Gunners have taken seven points from a possible nine up for grabs.
Ben White is likely to keep his place at right-back, with a central partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
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And Arteta could be tempted to switch to Jurrien Timber at left-back for Ricardo Calafiori.
Timber has started the last two games since replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko, with new signing Calafiori – a Summer arrival for £38m Coming from Bologna, he came off the bench against Aston Villa and Brighton.
Having impressed in defence, he could now be chosen to start his first game to fully prepare him for the trip to Manchester City next week.
But it is in midfield that Arteta has his conundrum, with Arsenal having been unable to play with two defensive midfielders since the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
Jorginho's starting positions have always been to replace Thomas Partey in the team, with Arteta preferring two number 8s to get into the box and make runs beyond the striker.
As a result, Arteta could rekindle his experiment with Havertz, who played in that role for the first half of last season, where he struggled for consistency.
But with Havertz in great form, Arteta could decide to gamble on him once again, where he would also be a physical presence in midfield.
On the right flank would be Bukayo Sakawho has contributed an assist in each of Arsenal's top-flight games this season.
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The 22-year-old also scored in both of Arsenal's wins against Spurs last season.
Gabriel Martinelli He could be called back into the lineup on the left wing after being ruled out by Leandro Trossard Against Brighton.
And with Havertz potentially moving back to midfield, Trossard could be tasked with leading the attacking line.
Trossard is no stranger to playing as a false nine, with the Belgian having been regularly used in that position following his arrival from the Seagulls in January 2023.
Gabriel Jesus He is another option up front, although it remains to be seen whether the Brazilian will win his physical battle to be available for the national team.
The former Citizens striker has missed the last two games with a minor injury. groin injuryand Arteta is hopeful of returning to action soon.
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