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Tottenham vs Arsenal F.C. Lineups – Confirmed XIs, Injuries, Formations

Ethan Caleb Clarke Fraser • 2026-04-04 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The North London Derby arrives with significant tactical implications as Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 22, 2026. With kick-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m. GMT, both clubs have released their confirmed starting eleven for this Premier League fixture, revealing contrasting approaches to a rivalry match defined by injury crises and managerial transitions.

Tottenham enter the contest under new leadership, with Igor Tudor directing his first match following the dismissal of Thomas Frank. The Croatian faces immediate selection challenges, employing a three-man defensive system necessitated by extensive casualties and suspensions. Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, maintain their position atop the Premier League table despite failing to secure a victory during the calendar year 2026.

Predicted and Confirmed Lineups for Tottenham vs Arsenal

Fixture Date February 22, 2026, 4:30 p.m. GMT
Venue Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Competition Premier League
Match Officials Peter Bankes (Referee), Darren England (VAR)
  • Igor Tudor deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation for his managerial debut, converting midfielder Joao Palhinha to emergency center-back due to defensive shortages
  • Mikel Arteta utilizes a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 hybrid system, making double changes from the previous draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers
  • Cristian Romero serves a suspension following a red card against Manchester United, forcing Tottenham’s tactical reshuffle
  • Martin Odegaard returns to the Arsenal squad following knee injury recovery but begins on the substitute bench
  • Leandro Trossard overcomes a late withdrawal from the Wolves fixture to start for the visitors
  • Dominic Solanke, despite a throat issue during training, occupies the substitute bench for Tottenham
Tottenham Recent Form LWDWW
Arsenal Recent Form WWDLW
Head-to-Head (Last 5) Arsenal 4 wins, 1 draw, Tottenham 0 wins
Most Recent Meeting Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham (November 23, 2025)
Tottenham League Position Relegation-threatened
Arsenal League Position 1st place
Tottenham Formation 3-4-2-1
Arsenal Formation 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1
Key Absence (Tottenham) Cristian Romero (suspended)
Managerial Change Tudor replaces Frank

According to Tottenham Hotspur’s official confirmation, the hosts line up with Guglielmo Vicario in goal, protected by a back three of Joao Palhinha, Radu Dragusin, and captain Micky van de Ven. The wing-back positions are occupied by Archie Gray and Djed Spence, while the midfield pairing comprises Yves Bissouma or Conor Gallagher alongside Pape Matar Sarr. The attacking midfield duo supports Randal Kolo Muani as the focal point, with Mathys Tel or Xavi Simons providing creative support.

Sports Mole reports that Arsenal counter with David Raya between the posts, defended by a back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Piero Hincapie. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi anchor the midfield, with Bukayo Saka captaining the side from the right flank. The attacking triumvirate features Eberechi Eze as the creative hub, flanked by Leandro Trossard and supported by Viktor Gyokeres leading the line.

The substitute benches reveal significant depth disparities. Tottenham’s options include Brandon Austin, Richarlison, Solanke, Mikey Moore, Alfie Dorrington, Callum Olusesi, Renzo Tapiola, and 16-year-old prodigy Lucas Bergvall, recently recovered from injury. Arsenal’s reserves feature Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jakub

Ethan Caleb Clarke Fraser

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Ethan Caleb Clarke Fraser

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