Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brighton: One change from West Ham win

Arsenal are on the road to conclude 2022 as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex in what’s poised to be a difficult test for the Premier League leaders.

Mikel Arteta’s side were in fine form on their return to domestic action as they came from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 on Boxing Day. Their second-half showing was majestic and they have plenty of momentum behind them heading into this New Year’s Eve bout.

Arteta has very few concerns on the injury front with no fresh issues arising since Monday’s triumph over the Hammers.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brighton

Here’s the starting XI the Spaniard could pick for Arsenal’s New Year’s Eve trip to Brighton.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Next…

Ben White (RB) – Arsenal’s most consistent performer was at it again on Boxing Day as he produced yet another secure and controlled display at right-back. However, one-vs-one specialist Kaoru Mitoma will give White something to think about on Saturday.

William Saliba (CB) – Qatari rust clouded Saliba’s performance against West Ham, but there were still signs of the controlled and dominant defender that manifested throughout the first half of the season.

Gabriel (CB) – It hasn’t been plain sailing for Gabriel this season, but the Brazilian has come into his own either side of the break. He was impressive against Michail Antonio last time out, but he’ll likely have a different proposition on New Year’s Eve with Danny Welbeck unlikely to start.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Zinchenko had been struggling with a muscle problem over the break but he earned minutes off the bench on Boxing Day. If he’s fit and ready to go, Arteta won’t hesitate in returning him to the starting XI.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey is playing at such a high level at the moment and his significance to the Gunners can’t be understated. He’ll start at the base of midfield to round off the year and will play a key role in ensuring the visitors assert control at the Amex.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – It was a quiet Boxing Day for Xhaka but his threat in and around the opposition’s box is ominous. The Swiss could be in for a big day on Saturday given Brighton’s midfield absences.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The skipper was majestic last time out and he’ll be looking to take that form into Saturday’s calendar year curtain closer. Only Bukayo Saka (11) has more Premier League goal contributions than Odegaard (ten) this season.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka was brilliant on Boxing Day and I don’t think there’s a left-back in football that’ll fancy their chances against the England international one-vs-one. It’ll be an intriguing match-up with the athletic and physically impressive Pervis Estupinan on Saturday.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Nketiah’s wonderful turn and finish against the Hammers alleviated any fears over Arsenal’s competence in Gabriel Jesus’ absence. It’s Eddie’s time to shine and he’ll be looking to end the year on a high at the Amex.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – The Brazilian’s near post effort on Boxing Day was his sixth in the Premier League this season – making him Arsenal’s joint-leading scorer with Odegaard. Martinelli is a sure bet to start down the left.