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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brighton: Fringe players earn chance in EFL Cup tie

By James Cormack

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 6, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 6, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal will fancy their chances of enjoying a deep run in the EFL Cup, but they must first mitigate a tricky tie against Brighton in the third round.

The Seagulls defeated Mikel Arteta’s Gunners at the Emirates in the Premier League last season, and have found a bit of form under new manager Roberto De Zerbi heading into this cup tie.

Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly rotate his team from Sunday’s comfortable 1-0 victory over Chelsea, and we should see much of the Europa League core return to the fold on Wednesday.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brighton

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick for this third round EFL Cup tie against Brighton.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Cedric should make his first start of the season on Wednesday. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Cedric should make his first start of the season on Wednesday. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Matt Turner (GK) – Turner missed the conclusion of Arsenal’s Europa League group stage due to injury but the American has returned to training ahead of this game.

Cedric Soares (RB) – This should be Cedric’s first start of the campaign. With Takehiro Tomiyasu injured and Arteta likely to preserve Ben White for Saturday, the Portuguese full-back is in strong contention to get the nod against Brighton.

Rob Holding (CB) – Holding enjoyed a mixed Europa League group stage, and Brighton will certainly fancy their chances of getting at the English defender. However, with Arteta’s options limited, Holding is poised to start this contest.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel has been superb as of late and the dynamic between himself and Holding is pretty coherent. They’ve played with each other enough in Europe, and it’d make sense for the Brazilian to start on Wednesday.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – All Tierney can continue to do is impress when he’s given the chance to do so. He was one of Arsenal’s standout performers during the Europa League group stage and is guaranteed to start in this cup tie after Oleksandr Zinchenko returned on Sunday.

Midfielders

Sambi Lokonga needs a big performance in this cup tie. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Sambi Lokonga needs a big performance in this cup tie. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images) /

Mohamed Elneny (DM) – Elneny was such a calming influence against FC Zurich as he made his first appearance since August. The Egyptian should start at the base of midfield in this EFL Cup tie and he may be a contender for captain duties.

Sambi Lokonga (CM) – This is a big game for Lokonga, who flatted to deceive as a #6 in Europe. A more advanced role should suit him, but he didn’t exactly convince as an #8 against FC Zurich last week. The Belgian needs a big performance.

Fabio Vieira (CM) – Vieira is continuing to flash his moments, and supporters must remain patient with the playmaker. Hopefully, he produces a magical display against the Seagulls.

Forwards

Where has Marquinhos gone? (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Where has Marquinhos gone? (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

Marquinhos (RW) – The Brazilian hasn’t started a game for the Gunners since Matchday 2 of the Europa League after he scored on his debut. This is a brilliant opportunity for Marquinhos to return to the fold and showcase his talent.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Nketiah has struggled in his recent appearances, but he’s a sure bet to start on Wednesday. This may well be his last chance to shine until the Europa League returns next year.

Reiss Nelson (LW) – With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli poised to be rested, Nelson should get the nod on the opposite flank. The winger enjoyed a breakout performance against Forest and will be looking to build on that before the World Cup break.