Arsenal and Tottenham’s combined XI ahead of the north London derby

The Premier League is back with a bang this weekend, with Tottenham and Arsenal set to battle it out in the first north London derby of the season on Sunday.

Spurs will be looking to reignite their top-four charge after a mixed start to the season, while Arsenal will see this fixture as a must-win as they vie for their first Premier League title in 20 years.

Mikel Arteta is facing a midfield crisis, with captain Martin Odegaard a major doubt after getting injured during Norway’s win against Austria, Declan Rice unavailable as he serves his suspension, and new signing Mikel Merino ruled out with a shoulder fracture.

Spurs have several selection headaches of their own, meanwhile, with Richarlison sidelined against Newcastle after picking up an injury in training, and Yves Bissouma limping off during Mali’s clash with Eswatini. Dominic Solanke is also a doubt.

After back-to-back home losses against their fierce rivals, how many of Ange Postecoglou‘s men would get into a starting XI alongside Arsenal’s injury-ridden squad? Here is Mail Sport’s combined Spurs and Arsenal XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya

While sweeper keeper Guglielmo Vicario has comfortably stepped into club legend Hugo Lloris’ boots, Raya’s league-leading 16 clean sheets last season makes him a clear pick.

Raya has benefited from a rock-solid back line, but has proven that he can be called upon to make those decisive saves in Arsenal’s title charge.

Tottenham’s dynamic full-back partnership of Porro and Udogie will be key to their hopes of returning to the Champions League next season.

Centre-half-turned-right-back Ben White has proved a reliable option on the right side of Arsenal’s formidable defence.

But with Porro’s rocket of a shot and impressive seven assists last season – the most of any Premier League defender other than Kieran Trippier – he could be a difference-maker in what is sure to be a tightly contested derby.

Centre-half is arguably the strongest position for both Arsenal and Spurs, but the composed French defender has to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Saliba is a mainstay in Arsenal’s backline and racked up an impressive 18 clean sheets last season, which was more than any other player in the league.

Centre back: Cristian Romero

Both Micky van de Ven and Gabriel Magalhaes are unlucky to miss out after their displays last season proved why they are two of the best centre backs in the world.

World Cup winner Romero, though, has become an assured leader in Tottenham’s defence after honing in some of his signature recklessness.

The world-class defender is known for his crunching tackles, but even chipped in with some goals as the Premier League’s highest scoring defender last season.

Jurrien Timber has started two of Arsenal’s three opening games and looks set to cement his place in the first team side this season, but Udogie is the obvious choice here.

Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori would undoubtedly be in the discussion, but the defender is another injury doubt after taking a painful knock to the calf for Italy against France.

The young Italian has reinvigorated Spurs’ attack with his marauding runs down the flank, while shoring up his team’s at-times shaky defence with his crunching tackles.

The outstanding Declan Rice would be a clear choice here if not for his suspension after being sent off against Brighton.

With Yves Bissouma also an injury doubt for Spurs, the role naturally falls to Partey.

The ball-winning midfielder has started all three of Arsenal’s opening games, and will offer much-needed press resistance in the midfield against Spurs’ aggressive high line.

Central midfielder: James Maddison

The creative midfielder got off to a dazzling start at Tottenham with eight goal contributions in his first nine games, but his season was largely hampered by a long-term injury.

With two assists to his name already this season, Maddison looks well on track to rediscovering his form and adding a much-needed creative spark to this Spurs side.

Usually deployed as a false nine, the versatile Havertz is one of the few midfield options available to Arteta this weekend.

The technically gifted German chipped in with 20 goal contributions last season, and would certainly form an eye-catching partnership with Maddison in midfield.

While Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski had decent showings last season, this one is a no-brainer.

Saka was excellent in Arsenal’s last campaign and had his highest scoring season to date, racking up 16 goals along with nine assists.

With his quick feet and frightening pace, the young Englishman is an absolute terror for any backline he comes up against.

Although Tottenham’s captain has had stints at centre forward, playing out wide is where he shines.

The 32-year-old was again among the top scorers last season with 17 goals, along with an impressive 10 assists.

The clinical South Korean is still one of Tottenham’s best players and commands a place in the starting line-up.

Striker: Dominic Solanke

Arguably the most difficult position to fill with Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison both struggling with injuries.

Solanke has been sidelined with an ankle injury, but after being close to a return against Newcastle, the striker looks fit to take part in his first north London derby.

The £65million club record signing was a revelation last season, scoring 19 goals while playing for a mid-table Bournemouth side.

Spurs fans are understandably eager to see what the striker can achieve alongside the likes of Son and Maddison.