Rice suspension could rekindle Arsenal experiment in bold XI to face Tottenham

Declan Rice’s suspension has given Mikel Arteta a selection headache ahead of the north London derby after the international break.

The Gunners travel to rivals Tottenham next up looking to get back to winning ways after dropping two points in the 1-1 draw with Brighton.

That clash also saw Rice pick up a controversial second yellow card for delaying a quick Seagulls free-kick by flicking the ball away – earning him a one-match suspension.

His sending off has proven to be a major talking point, with John Terry labelling his red card as the ‘worst decision ever’, while ex-Spurs star Jamie O’Hara has also defended the England international.

But due to Rice being shown two yellows, his red card cannot be rescinded, much to the dismay of Arteta and the club’s fans.

Summer signing Mikel Merino would have been a natural replacement in the line-up in Arteta‘s 4-1-2-3 formation, consisting of one defensive midfielder and two No8s.

But the Spanish Euro 2024 winner picked up a shoulder knock in his first training session, which is believed to keep him sidelined for two months.

This leaves Arteta with the choice between adopting a new midfield system, or deploy versatile striker Kai Havertz in a deeper position.

The former would see Jorginho, who has been an unused substitute in each of Arsenal’s three Premier League games this season, come into the team.

Though this would mean Arteta would likely play him in a double pivot, which could impact Arsenal’s attacking threat at Spurs.

Meanwhile dropping Havertz into midfield would see Arsenal lose their main focal point up top, with the German, who started his Emirates career off as a No8, the club’s top scorer with two goals this term.

Here is 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 No1 between the sticks following Aaron Ramsdale’s permanent exit to Southampton on deadline day.

The Spaniard has made a string of stunning saves in each of the club’s opening three matches, and is one of the key reasons why the Gunners have picked up seven points from a possible nine on offer.

Ben White will surely keep his place at right-back, with a centre-back pairing consisting of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

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And Arteta could be tempted to swap Jurrien Timber at left-back for Riccardo Calafiori.

Timber has started the last two matches since displacing Oleksandr Zinchenko, with new recruit Calafiori – a £38m summer arrival from Bologna – coming off the bench against Aston Villa and Brighton.

Having impressed at the back, he could now be elected to start his first game to get him fully ready for the trip to Manchester City the following week.

But it’s in midfield where Arteta has his conundrum, with Arsenal failing to play with two defensive midfielders since the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Jorginho’s starts have always been to replace Thomas Partey in the team, with Arteta preferring two No8s to get into the box and make runs beyond the striker.

As a result, Arteta could rekindle his Havertz experiment, who played in that role for the first half of last season, where he struggled for consistency.

But with Havertz bang in form, Arteta may decide to gamble on him once again, where he would also be a physical presence in the middle of the pitch.

On the right flank would be Bukayo Saka, who has chipped in with an assist in each of Arsenal’s top-flight fixtures this term.

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The 22-year-old also scored in both of Arsenal’s victories against Spurs last season.

Gabriel Martinelli could then be recalled back to the line-up on the left wing after being dropped for Leandro Trossard against Brighton.

And with Havertz to potentially drop back into midfielder, this could see Trossard tasked with leading the line.

Trossard is no stranger to playing as a false nine, with the Belgian regularly deployed there following his arrival from the Seagulls in January 2023.

Gabriel Jesus is another option up top, though it remains to be seen whether the Brazilian will win his fitness battle to be available for selection.

The ex-Citizens forward has missed the last two matches with a minor groin injury, with Arteta hopeful he will soon return to action.

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