Predicting the Arsenal XI to face Brighton: Arteta must keep winning
By Kian Long
Arsenal face a trip to Brighton tomorrow evening.
Finally, Arsenal are back on track in the Premier League and it came in unexpected fashion. The Gunners beat London rivals Chelsea on home soil on boxing day, and they haven’t had much of a rest as they play Brighton tomorrow.
Here’s how Mikel Arteta should lineup to get all three points at the AMEX Stadium…
BERND LENO
Obviously, this one goes without saying. Bernd Leno is always the first name on the team sheet and after his penalty-saving heroics against Chelsea, he only looks even more important in this match.
HECTOR BELLERIN
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He was make-do captain against Chelsea and put in a good shift. His pace on the ball will be important against Brighton.
ROB HOLDING
Played well against Chelsea to prevent Timo Werner having any sniff at goal. He’s been a consistent feature of Arteta’s XI this season.
PABLO MARI
Returned from his injury against Chelsea and it looked like he hadn’t even been out. Mari is a solid option for Arteta and with Gabriel out due to illness, he deserves another start in this one.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Bellerin and Kieran Tierney are the two full-backs for Arteta. He won a penalty against Chelsea and was a contender for man of the match. He won’t be benched anytime soon.
GRANIT XHAKA
In the midfield it will be Xhaka. It’s essentially impossible to see him taken out of the XI despite the quick turnaround in fixtures. He scored a rifle of a free kick on boxing day and proved his doubters wrong once again.
MOHAMED ELNENY
It could easily be Ceballos, but if he’s fit, Mohamed Elneny should start this match. Arteta is a fan of him and he was good against Chelsea; no reason to bench him.
EMILE SMITH ROWE
Wow. What a player this boy is. Having first burst onto the scene some years ago in the Europa League, he continues to impress whenever he plays. His creativity will be key against Brighton if Ceballos doesn’t start.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
Some time away from the XI might be what Aubameyang needed, but I expect him to return in this match. Having watched Lacazette be amongst the goals lately, he will be keen to get back on track himself and watching his side win will have boosted his morale.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE
Following his coolly-slotted penalty, Lacazette will start once more against Brighton. He will look to make some space in the box and this side that’s got more creativity in it, will seek him out in space.
NICOLAS PEPE
Bukayo Saka deserves a rest, which is why I’ve brought in Nicolas Pepe. Certainly not a bad player to bring in, he will be direct in his approach and his silky footwork will match Saka’s, however, he will need to be sensible in when to pass the ball and when to keep ahold of it.
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How do you think Arsenal will lineup in this match?