Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brighton: Forced change in defence

A dangerous Brighton outfit visit the Emirates on Sunday less than a week after they were embarrassed at home by the relegation-threatened Everton 5-1.

While many Arsenal fans have taken solace in the Seagulls’ recent defeat (as well as a couple of key injuries heading into their trip to the Emirates), some might argue that Everton’s thumping renders Sunday’s bout trickier for the Gunners.

Brighton are still playing for plenty with their maiden European football berth at stake. Arsenal, meanwhile, kept their title dream alive with a win at Newcastle last weekend and they’ll be hoping Sean Dyche’s Toffees do them a favour as they host Man City in Sunday’s earlier game.

Mikel Arteta was handed another injury blow to his defence in the week, but those in reserve have impressed in recent weeks.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brighton

Here’s the starting XI the Arsenal boss could pick for Brighton’s visit on Sunday.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Added an impressive tenth Premier League clean sheet away from home this season at Newcastle, but has managed just three at the Emirates. Brighton’s fluency and attacking verve will ensure Ramsdale’s tested on Sunday.

Ben White (RB) – There have been links to several full-backs over potential summer moves but, for now, White remains Arteta’s only choice at right-back. A duel with Kaoru Mitoma awaits.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) – Kiwior was unfazed by the occasion at St. James’ Park, and the latest William Saliba update means we should be seeing the Polish international at the heart of Arsenal’s defence for the remainder of the season.

Gabriel (CB) – The stout Brazilian has looked much more assured in recent outings following Kiwior’s inclusion. However, the centre-backs will be tested on Sunday with Evan Ferguson potentially returning to Brighton’s starting XI.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Some wanted Tierney to return to the fold before it was announced that Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the rest of the season with a calf injury. Thus, the Scot starts by default on Sunday.

Midfielders

Jorginho (DM) – The Italian was excellent last week and he absolutely deserves to keep his place in the side. Jorginho has barely put a foot wrong since joining the club, but his defensive nous will be put to the test against a fluid Brighton side that constantly seeks to exploit space between the lines.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Brighton’s attacking proficiency means it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Xhaka take on a more conservative role on Sunday, as he did at St. James’ Park. The Swiss international was brilliant against Newcastle.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Fresh off his dazzling showing on Tyneside, Odegaard will be looking to outmanoeuvre Arsenal target Moises Caicedo at the Emirates.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – It’s been an unproductive period for Saka, who has just two goal contributions since the March international break (both came in the same game). It does look like he needs a break, but Arteta will continue to start him down the right.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Leandro Trossard will relish the opportunity to start against his former club,  but I suspect Arteta will stick with his tried and trusted front three. Jesus put himself about last week, and he’ll be looking for another Emirates goal this weekend.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – The perpetual bright spark sealed the deal at St. James’ when Fabian Schar converted his cross past Nick Pope. Martinelli’s energy often sparks the Emirates into life.