Cesc Fabregas knows a thing or two about scoring for Arsenal against Tottenham in the North London Derby.
The Gunners head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in what will likely be their toughest test of the 2024/25 season so far.
Arsenal could be without seven players for the game against Spurs, which is a massive blow. However, that also opens the door for others to come in and make their mark.
Fabregas seems to be excited about one Arsenal player who could get a chance against Tottenham on Sunday.
Cesc Fabregas makes surprise Ethan Nwaneri prediction ahead of Tottenham vs Arsenal
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has suffered an injury.
The midfielder appeared to twist his ankle while playing for Norway against Austria earlier this week, and he is a big doubt for the North London Derby.
Reports have claimed that Odegaard could be out of action for a month because of his injury.
Mikel Arteta will have to replace the Norwegian on Sunday, and Ethan Nwaneri could be an option for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur.
The youngster hasn’t made his full debut for Arsenal in a competitive game yet, but he is in contention now following Odegaard’s injury.
Fabregas, who played in many North London Derbies during his time as an Arsenal player, believes Nwaneri could be the hero on Sunday.
On the Planet Premier League podcast, Mark Chapman asked: “Do you know why it’s relevant talking about a possible 17-year-old (Nwaneri) playing in the midfield in this North London Derby?”
Fabregas replied: “I do, I do. Because he will score the winner and Tottenham lose.”
READ MORE: READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry
The big risks involved in starting Nwaneri vs Tottenham
Nwaneri is a truly sensational young talent.
The teenager has been unbelievable for Arsenal and England’s youth sides, and he has already made his Premier League debut for the first team too.
Nwaneri was also incredible in Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States, and he proved to everyone that he is ready to play for the senior side.
However, giving Nwaneri his first-ever start on Sunday is a big risk because of the magnitude of the North London Derby and the fact that it is away from home.
To add to that, the youngster will not have Odegaard and Declan Rice alongside him to give him the confidence and security he needs to thrive.
Every Arsenal fan will be excited if Nwaneri starts against Spurs, but we just think that it’s a bit too early for him.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
