Arsenal continue to chase Premier League leaders Liverpool, eager to close the six-point gap as they travel to the Amex to face tenth-place Brighton. Here is our Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Brighton: Gunners Battle to Stay in Title Race
How Arsenal Have Lined-up Recently
Between the sticks is the ever-present David Raya. His back four is usually made up of Jurrien Timber at right-back, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the middle – with Myles Lewis-Skelly’s recent run at left-back taken over by Riccardo Calafiori in the Gunners 3-1 victory at Brentford.
The midfield three has been regularly rotated to keep legs fresh and to suit Arteta’s approach to each opponent. Martin Odegaard has started four out of the last five matches, with Mikel Merino playing three, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz two and with Ethan Nwaneri also making a start.
Up top, Gabriel Jesus usually leads the line, flanked by Gabriel Martinelli and the likes of Trossard, Nwaneri, Saka, Havertz and Sterling. Arteta said in the pre-match presser that there is not “one player that’s going to play nine games in a row in that [right wing] position, it’s impossible.”
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Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
Arsenal are matching Liverpool point for point in their last five matches with three wins and two draws. Throughout. Arteta has stuck to his 4-3-3 formation, with the rotation of personnel allowing him to tweak things for each match.
While the Gunners have a mighty 12 goals in their last five games, the defence is also holding strong, conceding an XG of just 0.32 or less in their last six.
Arsenal Injuries and Absentees to Consider
Mikel Arteta gave a reassuring update on the sickness bug that had struck his squad: “The ones with the injuries I think are going to be okay. They will train today and if everybody is fine they should be available.”
This includes Kai Havertz who Arteta “thinks” should make the squad.
That said, some injured players are still out for this match including Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Tomiyasu. Arteta has also highlighted the need to manage Declan Rice’s minutes, with the player suffering some niggles in recent games.
Saka is still out after undergoing hamstring surgery last week. He is expected to be out for at least two months which is undoubtedly a huge blow for the club.
Jurrien Timber is suspended for this match having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Brentford.
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Arsenal Predicted Lineup Vs Brighton
GK: David Raya
DEF: Thomas Partey
DEF: William Saliba
DEF: Gabriel Magalhaes
DEF: Myles Lewis-Skelly
MID: Martin Odegaard
MID: Declan Rice
MID: Mikel Merino
FW: Ethan Nwaneri
FW: Gabriel Jesus
FW: Gabriel Martinelli
