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

Striker and No. 10

Even as I write this now, I’m doubting the conviction of my theory that Arteta is just thinking about rotation. That he started the kids knowing that against Brighton, he’d have fresh legs from some of his senior guys.

Still, I’ve made it this far believing it, so let’s stick with it. While it pains me to think that Nketiah, Saka, and Martinelli will all be on the bench, I have to give the edge in this predicted XI to experience and predict that the team will be rounded off with Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil at these last two positions.

Nketiah didn’t lose the job, but in an effort to be fair to Lacazette while still honoring the talent he undoubtedly has, it’s not the worst idea to get in the habit of rotating as the matches come in thick and fast.

The injuries won’t break this squad. But scoring some goals—preferably a lot—would be awfully nice.