Arsenal vs Brighton predicted XI: Just pretend like it never happened

Centerbacks

So, yeah. Here’s where things get really interesting. With Pablo Mari out, David Luiz suspended, Calum Chambers still recovering and William Saliba… unavailable? Mikel Arteta suddenly has three choices to fill two roles.

He has Shkodran Mustafi, he has Rob Holding, and he has Sokratis. The latter two haven’t actually played in months, and not just because of the pause, and the former has seen his clownish form turn into our best defender. By a work of voodoo magic or something, I don’t know.

It doesn’t seem like we’ll see Sokratis. Mikel Arteta clearly wants nothing to do with him, so that means that either Shkodran Mustafi is going out there alone, or Rob Holding is looking at his opportunity for a resurgence.

I’m going with the latter.

And if a Mustafi/Holding defense doesn’t fill you with confidence, you’re not alone. But let’s just say they’re capable of surprises.

On to the central midfield.