1. Use Jorginho
Jorginho has not played a minute this season but could be given his chance on Sunday. At 32, the Italian star will still be important thanks to his experience and ability to command the midfield. However, the problem lies in the fact that Jorginho's preferred position is the deepest in a midfield three, the position currently occupied by Thomas Partey.
Another option is to change the formation from the familiar 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, with Partey and Jorginho playing defensive midfield roles. However, this is not ideal because the two players have not played much together in important matches. In addition, this change could disrupt the attacking rhythm.
2. Pull Kai Havertz back to midfield
Kai Havertz is no stranger to the midfield as the German star started out as a midfielder. Arsenal even recruited him with the initial intention of playing in the central midfield position. However, after being pushed to play as a striker, Havertz quickly proved his suitability.
However, with the current shortage of personnel, bringing Havertz back into midfield could be a temporary solution to help the team maintain an attacking style of play. This would open up the opportunity for Gabriel Jesus or Leandro Trossard to start up front.
3. Take advantage of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber
Zinchenko is usually used at left-back but can play in central midfield, as he has done for Ukraine. Although he has never started in this position for Arsenal, the 27-year-old could be an emergency option for Arteta to rely on. Jurrien Timber can also play in the defensive midfield role, and is highly regarded for his versatility and ability to play in a variety of positions at Ajax.
Zinchenko has the advantage of being familiar with the team's style of play and being able to play intelligently in higher areas of the pitch. However, the Ukrainian star does not have the physicality and power of Rice or Odegaard, which could prove difficult in physical games like the North London Derby.
4. Bring the wingers into the middle
Another option Arteta could consider is to bring one of his wingers, such as Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka or Leandro Trossard, into the middle. Sterling has experience of playing in the No. 10 role at Chelsea, while Saka has tried the position a few times for Arsenal.
Saka has the technical and physical ability to play in central areas, but moving him out from the right wing would reduce the Gunners’ attacking power. Trossard can also play in an attacking midfield role and could swap positions with Havertz. Arteta experimented with two defensive midfielders and two attacking midfielders against Liverpool in February, and this could be a formation that can be used again in the current circumstances.
5. Put your faith in young talent Ethan Nwaneri
A bolder solution Arteta could consider is to give young talent Ethan Nwaneri a chance. The 17-year-old midfielder has impressed in pre-season and is considered to have great potential. However, starting a youngster in a game as tense and demanding as the North London Derby would be a risky move.
