Arsenal's biggest game of the season so far is almost upon us as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.
Saturday's lunchtime offering from the Premier League - the first fixture after the September international break - will pit the league leaders against third, but there's much more than standings and three points at stake with both sets of supporters hopeful of claiming bragging rights.
It finished 3-1 to Arsenal in the corresponding fixture last season, but the most recent meeting between the two sides went in favour of Spurs amid a battle for Champions League qualification and it's safe to say Mikel Arteta was far from happy with how events unfolded back in May.
READ MORE: Lloris or Ramsdale, Saka or Richarlison - Arsenal and Tottenham combined North London Derby XI
Fast forward a few months and this weekend's game has all the ingredients to serve up another classic. Although, the Spaniard has to deal with the fact that he won't have a fully fit first-team squad available for selection with Mohamed Elneny, Cedric Soares and Emile Smith Rowe all confirmed absentees.
However, it would appear that the Spaniard has been handed a quadruple fitness boost in the shape of Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenho, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu all being in contention to face Spurs, and that might create a team selection headache - especially at left-back.
With that said, football.london's Arsenal writers Kaya Kaynak, Tashan Deniran-Alleyne, Bailey Keogh and Tom Canton are on hand to step into the firing line and offer their assistance to Arteta by providing their say on who should start for the hosts at the Emirates Stadium.
Kaya Kaynak - Arsenal Writer
When it comes to the North London Derby I feel like it's worth taking a few risks even if it is the start of a run of nine games within one month that is enough to test the bounds of any squad, let alone one as small as Arsenal's.
Oleksandr Zinchenko may not be 100% after his calf injury that saw him miss international duty with Ukraine, but I would start him in the back four just to give the Gunners the kind of control they will want in order to truly dominate Tottenham.
It's tempting to put Takehiro Tomiyasu in at right back for the added defensive solidity up against Son Heung-min but again I feel as though possession will be key which makes Ben White the more sensible pick.
The same policy goes on into the midfield where for me, Thomas Partey has to play if he's able. The Ghanaian is integral to Arteta's game plan and will be crucial in helping Arsenal maintain their shape with Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
Up front I'd instruct Gabriel Jesus to go hell for leather even if it means risking suspension next week. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli alongside him the Brazilian could write himself into north London folklore with a good display and has a great record of showing up in the big games.
Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Tottenham: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne - Arsenal Writer
For me, Mikel Arteta has two major decisions to make when it comes to naming his starting line-up for the North London Derby. The first is an obvious one regarding Thomas Partey. Arsenal's midfield just isn't the same when the Ghana international is absent and for that reason, he must start if he's at least 85% fit.
Secondly, Kieran Tierney's last two outings for the Gunners will hand Arteta a real team selection dilemma especially if Oleksandr Zinchenko is passed fit. Based on what happened against Manchester United, I think the Scot will, harshly, be dropped from the side that started the win over Brentford.
Elsewhere, the team pretty much selects itself. Ben White and William Saliba have to be alert to Son Heung-min, Gabriel Magalhaes will have a big battle on his hands up against Harry Kane, whilst Martin Odegaard should slot back into a midfield three alongside Granit Xhaka.
Even with Gabriel Jesus being a yellow card away from a one-game suspension - he could miss the Liverpool clash next weekend if booked against Spurs - he's still my pick to lead the line and I am expecting big performances from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks.
Deniran-Alleyne's Arsenal XI vs Tottenham: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka; Saka, G. Jesus, Martinelli
Bailey Keogh - The Arsenal Way Writer
Ben White has been sensational on the right-hand side and deserves to keep his place in the team. William Saliba has arguably been the best central defender in the Premier League this season, so should be placed alongside Gabriel Magalhaes as the partnership must continue for such a major fixture.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko fit again he should start at left-back to give Arsenal better-attacking options even though it was a toss-up between him and Kieran Tierney.
Despite the injury concerns, Thomas Partey is the undoubtedly first name in this midfield, and he plays alongside Granit Xhaka, who has also performed well this season. Martin Odegaard takes the final midfield spot as the Arsenal captain must be included.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are certainties in the team. Bukayo Saka takes the right-hand side as he has been a crucial presence for the Gunners in the Premier League this season.
Keogh's Arsenal XI vs Tottenham: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Jesus
Tom Canton - The Arsenal Way Writer
The build-up to the North London Derby might be one of my least favourite times of the domestic footballing calendar. Discussion around who will and will not be available always dominates with the end result often being different to most of what was talked about.
That said, Mikel Arteta seemed upbeat about players such as Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard being available and therefore they make the squad. That said, I have persisted with Kieran Tierney as Zinchenko’s style was exposed by Man United's counterattack and the hope will be the Scot is better suited to stopping Spurs’.
Considering Arteta had Cedric Soares and Rob Holding as the right-hand side of the defence for the last North London Derby, having Ben White and William Saliba is quite the step up and the Frenchman, in particular, will be one to watch as he tries to stop Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Partey’s return is always welcomed and in combination with the brilliant Granit Xhaka, who this season has been phenomenal, gives Arsenal their best hope. But the challenge falls on the front three who need to be clinical if the Gunners are to win this critical clash.
Canton's Arsenal XI vs Tottenham: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Jesus
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Thomas Partey fitness, Emile Smith Rowe and Arsenal vs Tottenham
Thomas Partey fitness hope, Bukayo Saka future, Spurs injury blow, Arsenal vs Tottenham preview
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on Arsenal vs Tottenham score prediction
Mikel Arteta can unleash Arsenal's own Kevin De Bruyne in North London Derby vs Tottenham
What happened in Arsenal training as Mikel Arteta continues mind games with Antonio Conte
