Arsenal Vs Brighton: Predicted starting XI – Are we on?

Front Three

Mikel Arteta has spoken extensively about trying to get Nicolas Pepe going. He believes in the winger’s ability but wants to hand the £72 million a run of games to truly adapt to the new team and league. But while that is a sensible ploy and one worth investing in, Arteta might also be wise to get the entirety of his front three going, too.

Pepe on the right, with Alexandre Lacazette through the middle and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the left was meant to be one of the most frightening attacking triumvirates in the Premier League. At least, that was the word on the street at the start of the season. Now that seems pretty foolish.

Nevertheless, the potential is still there, and if Lacazette can find some form just as Aubameyang has maintained throughout the year, Arteta could yet unveil Arsenal’s strikeforce to the league. And if these three finally click, a top-five finish is very much in the equation.

I expect to see these three start together as Arteta shows patience with his most talented players. He needs to get the best out of them, and playing them together consistently is the start of that process.