Robert Pires reveals his prediction for the north London derby following Arsenal's recent setbacks

The Gunners will make the journey to their arch rivals' home ground without their captain, who sustained an ankle injury while representing Norway earlier this week.

Mikel Arteta is also without midfield linchpin Rice after he was sent off in controversial circumstances against Brighton a fortnight ago, prior to the international break.

Summer signing Mikel Merino will again be absent as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury he picked up in freak circumstances during his first training session with his new club.

Despite lacking what, on paper, appears to be their first choice midfield, Pires is sure the likes of Jorginho and Thomas Partey will step up and ensure his old club maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign.

‘It is certainly a bitter loss because Rice is the linchpin of this team and his vast experience means that opponents have great respect for him,’ Pires told Wettbasis.com. 

‘Nevertheless, Arsenal can win this derby without him because the squad is better staffed.’

Central to Arsenal’s hopes of achieving a third straight win at the Tottenham Stadium will be Kai Havertz who has been reborn as a false nine since he was asked to spearhead his side’s attack midway through last season.

‘Kai is not a classic number nine, but rather a false nine who, with his back to the opponent’s goal, creates a lot of space for his teammates with his great technique,’ Pires added.

‘You can’t expect him to be the top scorer, that’s clear. But he fits perfectly into Arteta’s system.’

At the other end of the pitch, meanwhile, Pires’ compatriot William Saliba continues to cement his reputation as one of European football’s best central defenders.

‘William’s development is absolutely top-notch,’ said Pires. ‘I am particularly impressed by his positioning. He hardly ever makes bad passes and never makes unnecessary fouls, which is a top quality. He has become incredibly consistent and fast. He is currently one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.”

‘His loan to Olympique Marseille in the 2021/2022 season was extremely important, because otherwise he would have been at Arsenal too early and who knows if he would still be playing there today.

‘His first season in London was a bit bumpy with a few slip-ups, but he learned from that and has become more and more mature, which is why he played much stronger and more composed in 2023/2024.’