Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton: Will Nuno Tavares start in 4-2-3-1?

Midfielders

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – Arteta will be woe to alter his shape and system for this game and those to come, but he’s lost two cornerstones of the team. He may feel tweaks, however minor, are imperative.

Sambi is an obvious candidate to come in after his impressive cameo and, with Nuno at left-back, more of a double pivot system could be employed to give him greater protection in midfield. Of course, formations are less important than roles and there is space for fluidity in shape, but that’s how it could well look from the off.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Expect this to be a more reserved role for the Swiss on Saturday. He’s much less likely to be up standing on the last line of defence in the left half-spaces, and will be more keen to provide Sambi with a constant passing option in midfield.

Dropping into the spaces vacated by Nuno could be back on the menu as well.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – He will still want to drift over to the right where he’s most effective. Whatever he does, however, it has to be a darn sight less dreadful than what he produced against Palace.

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