Brighton v Arsenal: Predicted Gunners XI for Seagulls clash

Arsenal can move top of the Premier League table if they beat Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Last time out the Gunners defeated struggling Luton Town 2-1 at The Emirates, temporarily moving into top spot before Liverpool returned to the summit on Thursday, courtesy of a win over Sheffield United.

Victory over Brighton will keep Mikel Arteta’s side firmly in the hunt for the title, and here we predict the XI that the Spaniard will select for their trip to The Amex.

Goalkeeper

David Raya has established himself as Arteta’s first choice ‘keeper this season, ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, and will start the game against Brighton. Raya has only missed two Premier League games since making his league debut against Everton in September; the two matches against Brentford, during which he was ineligible due to the terms of his loan move.

Defenders

Arteta has primarily named an unchanged back four when possible this season, and Ben White will likely therefore start once again at right-back. The England international has White has missed just one league game so far this season, and remains an integral player for the Gunners.

White has been in fine form for Arsenal this season

In central defence, William Saliba will once again partner Gabriel. The pair have established a superb partnership at the heart of Arsenal’s backline, with Saliba playing every minute of the Gunners’ league campaign so far.

At left-back, Jakub Kiwior could return to the side after being rested against the Hatters last time out. The Poland international had started Arsenal’s previous six league games, but made way for Oleksandr Zinchenko in midweek. The Ukrainian will likely drop back to the bench for this one, alongside Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Midfielders

Declan Rice was another player that was rested against Luton, but the Englishman will return for the trip to The Amex. Rice has been in sensational form for the Gunners this season, having joined from West Ham United last summer.

The England international could be joined in midfield by Jorginho, who is increasingly playing an important role for Arteta’s side. The Italian has been involved in each of Arsenal’s last six league games, and looks set to continue his string of appearances.

Odegaard opened the scoring at The Emirates on Wednesday

Club captain Martin Odegaard will also start, in an advanced midfield role. The Norwegian has been instrumental to the Gunners’ success this season, and scored their opener against Luton on Wednesday night.

Forwards

On the right, Bukayo Saka will return to action after sitting out the win over Luton. The England international has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in 28 Premier League games this season, and Arteta will be hoping he can continue his fine form in the final weeks of the season.

Saka sat out the win over Luton in midweek

Kai Havertz could be deployed through the middle against Brighton, as he was last time out. The attacker has been inconsistent since his move from Chelsea last summer, but has scored four goals in his last six league games.

After coming on as a substitute during the win over the Hatters, Gabriel Martinelli is set to return to the starting line-up. Reiss Nelson, who started against Luton, failed to impress and will likely therefore return to the bench.

Predicted XI: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Kiwior; Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.