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Soccer

Former Premier League midfielder shares Arsenal concerns ahead of North London derby

Ash Rose
Former Premier League midfielder shares Arsenal concerns ahead of North London derbyDavid Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The Gunners could be without key men for game against rivals.

Jamie O'Hara believes Arsenal will struggle in this weekend's North London derby without missing pair Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. 

Rice is suspended for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after his red card against Brighton last time out, while the Gunners could also be without skipper Odegaard. 

Odegaard limped off during Norway's Nations League clash with Austria in midweek after suffering an ankle injury, and O'Hara told Grosvenor Sport that the Gunners could be vulnerable without the big-name duo. 

“I’ve got a feeling Arsenal are in for a rough ride this weekend!” he said.

“With Declan Rice suspended and Martin Odegaard most likely out, their line-up is looking a bit shaky. Rice has been a real game-changer for Arsenal, so his absence could be a big boost for Tottenham.
 
“Without him, I think Arsenal’s midfield will struggle. He’s has been their most important player – he breaks up play as he anticipates where the ball is going to be. When he’s not on the pitch, Arsenal play differently. If Thomas Partey’s defensive work continues to be a bit off, like it was for Brighton’s goal in the last game, James Maddison might find plenty of space to make things happen.
 
“Arsenal’s defence, while solid, isn’t invincible. Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba are great, but they're not exactly untouchable – they’re no Jaap Stam!”

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