Brighton vs Arsenal: Predicted starting 11 in Mikel Arteta's toughest challenge this season
Arsenal come up against one of the Premier League's most in-form teams, Brighton and Hove Albion, away from home this weekend.
Arsenal are the best team in the world right now, but that doesn't make Brighton any less of a threat. The Seagulls are crafting their own story, and beating Arsenal will mean everything to the fans on the South Coast.
Midweek, Arsenal rotated a few key players out of the Carabao Cup lineup to face Ipswich. At the same time, he unwillingly gave some clues about what to expect in this weekend's lineup.
GK - David Raya. Raya was fully rested midweek, handing the gloves to Kepa. Needless to say, in the Premier League, Raya is Arsenal's number one choice.
RB - Jurriën Timber. Again, Timber rested midweek, but only as a precaution. With no new injury, Timber can start against Brighton for the first time this season.
CB - Gabriel. The big Brazilian centre-back played the first half in midweek, but that is considered rest for him. He did wonders for Marli Salmon's confidence, but he'll be partnered by a more experienced defender this time around.
CB - Ezri Konsa. Konsa has been in great form for the Gunners, and he's slotted in seamlessly next to Gabriel. Having played the second half in midweek, he will be raring to go against the Seagulls.
LB - Riccardo Calafiori. An unused sub in midweek, but he's been one of Arsenal's hidden gems this season. Calafiori will continue to provide a threat in both halves of the pitch.
CM - Bruno Guimaraes. Had a spectacular performance against Ipswich, and given that it was cut short, this is an indication that Arteta wants to use him from the start against Brighton.
CM - Declan Rice. Rice was finally put in cotton wool and didn't make the squad to face Ipswich, which is something Arsenal fans were calling for all of last season. He will most certainly start Arsenal's last game before the international break.
CM - Martin Odegaard. He came off the bench against Ipswich, but not for a considerable amount of time. As Arsenal's most in-form player, he will be pivotal to their creativity and sharpness against Brighton.
RW - Bukayo Saka. Saka is flying right now, and having rested for the full game against Ipswich, he will certainly start this match for Arsenal.
CF - Kai Havertz. Havertz was not involved in the midweek squad, but given how absent Viktor Gyokeres was throughout the match, you'd have to give this important fixture to Havertz.
LW - Christos Tzolis. Tzolis came off the bench against his former rivals Ipswich, but Eberechi Eze, who started the match, did nothing for his own case. Tzolis should be given the nod to try and unlock this Brighton defence.
Predicted Arsenal lineup to face Brighton: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Konsa, Calafiori; Guimaraes, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Tzolis
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