Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton: Sambi & Partey in 4-2-3-1?

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) – Has looked spectacular in midfield since he returned from injury and how worthwhile those 60 minutes he got against AFC Wimbledon proved to be as he completed 90 minutes against Tottenham – Partey did that only ten times in the league last season.

Brighton know he is the man to watch out for and both their strikers on the day can be expected to press him hard at the Amex.

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – This is where all the debate is.

It would be a surprise to see Arteta not go like-for-like with Xhaka and Sambi. Having blown Spurs away with the double pivot, and now having Tomiyasu to absolve the midfield of the responsibility of dropping into defence for progression, its time for the Belgian to get a proper run in the team.

Should Sambi get the nod with Partey then it will be their first Premier League start together.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – The glue that holds everything together. Given the goals were shared out among Hale End and Aubameyang against Spurs, the Norwegian flew somewhat under radar.

Still earning deserved praise for his performance, it’s growing increasingly difficult to work out what people don’t see in him.

He’s a gem already at 22 years old and an absolute bargain at £30m.

Continued…