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

Midfield

What makes the defensive situation even scarier is the complete lack of coverage we’re going to find in the midfield. Depending on Mikel Arteta’s decision-making, that is.

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With Granit Xhaka out, Arteta loses his most competent midfielder. Now he’s got three guys to choose from, all of whom don’t serve the purpose he needs most. He’s got Lucas Torreira, who has no confidence whatsoever; Matteo Guendouzi, who looked good against City, but might be a bit tired; and Dani Ceballos, who is leaving at the end of the year and has no part to play in the future of the club.

So what does Arteta do? At least two of those guys are almost certainly leaving at the end of the year, perhaps all three.

For one, I think Guendouzi has to keep his place. He’s the least likely to leave and he is still a player with tremendous upside. Next to him, I guess it has to be Torreira. He didn’t get to stretch his legs against City and he’s the closest thing to a defensive midfielder we have.

On to the wingers.