Arsenal vs Tottenham | North London Derby Starting Lineups & Tactical Analysis (2025)

Get ready for a North London derby like no other! Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have just unveiled their starting lineups for Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium, and the decisions are as bold as they are surprising. But here’s where it gets controversial: Martin Odegaard, despite being spotted in pre-match preparations, is once again absent from Arsenal’s squad, leaving fans scratching their heads. Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie steps in for Gabriel Magalhaes, a move that could either solidify or shake up the Gunners’ defense. And this is the part most people miss: Tottenham’s Thomas Frank has made a whopping five changes to his lineup, including the introduction of Kevin Danso as a third central defender—a tactical shift aimed at derailing Arsenal’s league-leading momentum. Could this be the game-changer Spurs need to climb into the top four? Or will Mikel Arteta’s side extend their lead at the summit? Let’s dive into the details.

Arsenal received a quadruple fitness boost ahead of the match, with Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Riccardo Calafiori, and Noni Madueke all making appearances during their pre-match walk. While Calafiori has overcome a hip issue to start at left-back, Martinelli and Madueke are benched, and Odegaard’s continued absence remains a mystery. Hincapie’s inclusion over Cristhian Mosquera is the only change Arteta has made since their 2-2 draw with Sunderland, signaling a focus on consistency. Mikel Merino, meanwhile, continues to lead the attack in the absence of Viktor Gyokeres, who remains sidelined.

Tottenham, however, have taken a more adventurous approach. Frank’s five changes include a back three of Romero, Danso, and Van de Ven, designed to stifle Arsenal’s attacking threats. Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie will patrol the wing-back positions, with Pedro Porro and Pape Sarr dropping to the bench. Rodrigo Bentancur replaces Sarr in midfield, while Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert come in for Brennan Johnson and Randal Kolo Muani, who is fit enough for a bench spot after recovering from a jaw fracture. Richarlison, fresh off Europa League glory, will spearhead the attack.

Here’s the burning question: Is Tottenham’s defensive-heavy lineup a masterstroke or a risky gamble? With Arsenal eyeing a six-point lead at the top and Spurs aiming to break into the top four, this derby promises fireworks. What’s your take? Do you think Arteta’s minimal changes will pay off, or will Frank’s bold tactics outmaneuver the Gunners? Let us know in the comments below!

Arsenal Starting Lineup: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, White, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman

Tottenham Starting Lineup: Vicario; Romero, Danso, Van de Ven; Spence, Palhinha, Bentancur, Udogie; Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert
Subs: Kinsky, Simons, Tel, Gray, Bergvall, Johnson, Porro, Sarr, Kolo Muani