Arsenal Set to Unleash Gyokeres Against Tottenham as Key Midfield Stars Make Explosive Return
Arsenal will continue their Asian pre-season campaign on Thursday as they take on north London adversaries Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong.
After following their 1-0 triumph against Milan with a 3-2 victory over Premier League contenders Newcastle United, the Gunners are looking to claim their third consecutive pre-season win in what will be the inaugural north London derby held beyond British shores.
Most of Arsenal's summer acquisitions have already made their unofficial bow, but attention will focus on Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyökeres this Thursday, as both players may feature for their new team for the first time.
Here's how Mikel Arteta might set up his squad.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Raya has been rotating playing time with fellow Spaniard and new addition Kepa Arrizabalaga throughout pre-season. Nevertheless, the former has begun both fixtures and seems set to guard the goal once more.
RB: Ben White—Jurriën Timber's setback has led to White playing more than an hour in both of Arsenal's pre-season matches. The English defender will start once again at Kai Tak Sports Park and face off against Son Heung-min.
CB: William Saliba—Saliba continues without his usual centre-back companion, as Gabriel Magalhães has been sidelined since early April. Despite this, the French defender has demonstrated his quality in recent months.
CB: Jakub Kiwior—Riccardo Calafiori sustained an injury during the Newcastle match, which means Kiwior is expected to enter the lineup. The Polish international delivered an excellent assist in Arsenal's tight victory over Milan.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—Lewis-Skelly didn't particularly shine against Newcastle and will need to raise his game when confronting new Spurs acquisition Mohammed Kudus on Thursday.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—The captain converted from the penalty spot against Newcastle to clinch victory in their last outing. Arsenal's primary playmaker will look to orchestrate play against an unsettled Tottenham midfield.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—The summer recruit has made a strong impression in both his pre-season appearances and has immediately appeared at ease in Arsenal's formidable midfield setup.
CM: Declan Rice—Rice may return to the starting eleven after making only a 20-minute substitute appearance against Newcastle. The English midfielder remains undefeated in three north London encounters.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Saka netted the decisive goal against Milan and will pose problems for Tottenham left-back Djed Spence. The relentless winger will seek to build rhythm before the new season begins.
ST: Kai Havertz—Gyökeres might feature against Spurs but could initially settle for a substitute role. Havertz has already accumulated 140 minutes during pre-season and should add to that tally.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Martinelli needs to elevate his displays to ward off competition from £52 million ($69.1 million) acquisition Noni Madueke. The Brazilian has appeared somewhat below par during this summer's exhibition matches.