Mikel Arteta makes eight changes, ‘excellent’ 24-year-old misses out: Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Brighton as Arteta Men set to claim their lost Glory
After an evening of little consequence in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta will now need to refocus his Arsenal team for the visit of Brighton Hove Albion.
Brighton will be the first of two huge tests for Arteta’s side before Christmas Day, and after dropping three points at Villa Park, two wins will be needed.
And with that in mind, we are expecting Arteta to make a remarkable eight changes for Arsenal against Brighton.
Arsenal’s XI should perhaps look as strong as it’s been since the start of the season, with a few players now returning from injury.
In goal, David Raya will return despite a strong showing for Aaron Ramsdale in Eindhoven – one that is unlikely to change the hierarchy.
In defence, there shouldn’t be any real surprises, Takehiro Tomiyasu joins the long-term injured Jurrien Timber in the treatment room meaning a back four looks very familiar.
In midfield, perhaps the most debatable role is that of Kai Havertz.
Perhaps Leandro Trossard could get the nod as the number eight, but Arsenal’s £65m man is going from strength to strength – with one Arsenal player incredibly excited for his future.
Mikel Arteta is unlikely to start Eddie Nketiah against Brighton despite PSV performance
And then we move onto the attacking line, where most of the debate resonates.
Does Eddie Nketiah deserve another start after his ‘excellent’ performance in midweek?
It’s a tough call.
Gabriel Jesus remains Arsenal’s strongest striker, and logic would dictate that he does return.
Perhaps if Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t completely recovered from his recent illness then one of the duo may start on the left.
However, that would also seem a role primed for Trossard if that were the case.
And on the right, despite Reiss Nelson excelling in The Netherlands as well, there’s very little clamour for Bukayo Saka to be dropped.
It’s a very strong Arsenal XI, and one that Mikel Arteta would hope to dispatch an impressive Brighton team.
Arsenal have dealt with injuries this season, they still are, but it perhaps bodes well that the squad is looking so strong at this time of the year.
Arsenal’s predicted XI to face Brighton: Raya; Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Martinelli, Jesus, Saka.
