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

Wingers

I think what’s really throwing off my decision-making in predicting a winger pairing is that Gabriel Martinelli was completely left out against City. Arteta piled the attackers on the pitch, he went with youth to start the match, but he didn’t turn to Martinelli.

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For that reason, I assumed Martinelli would start in this match, but I just don’t see how that happens. Nicolas Pepe has to start. That much seems certain to me. Though I feel like every time I guarantee a Pepe start, he sits. Let’s just wait and see.

Opposite him, it has to be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Because you don’t just sit Aubameyang, do you? Initially, I had thought that Martinelli would start over Aubameyang, but, while that’s what I would do, I don’t think that’s what Arteta is going to do.

Again, I really do believe that Arteta was thinking rotation right off the bat against City. Save some legs and keep the attack fresh. He couldn’t have accounted for the injuries, but at least the attack isn’t affected.

On to the striker and No. 10.