Arsenal possible line-up vs Brighton, Arteta makes 7 changes as £27m star returns. Saka, Odegaard to return in much-changed side…

Predicted Arsenal line-up against Brighton: Arteta implements 7 changes as £27m star makes a comeback

Predicted Arsenal formation versus Brighton & Hove Albion: Saka and Odegaard set to return in a significantly altered squad

Arsenal aims for a third consecutive Premier League victory as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates Stadium today.

Currently, the Gunners hold a two and three-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa respectively in the league table.

This upcoming match is crucial for them. Manager Mikel Arteta may introduce up to seven changes following the Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Crystal Palace.

Last season, Arsenal faced Brighton in two contentious 1-1 draws in the Premier League, and they are determined to secure all three points this time.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has been a constant presence in the Premier League this season, achieving nine clean sheets. The Spanish goalkeeper is set to take over from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who performed exceptionally well in the midweek match.

The defense might remain the same, as Piero Hincapie is dealing with an injury sustained against Everton. The 23-year-old injured his collarbone after a collision with Riccardo Calafiori and is unlikely to play today.

This situation simplifies Arteta’s decision-making. Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Calafiori, and Myles Lewis-Skelly are expected to form the back four, with Lewis-Skelly likely to make his first league start of the season.

Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White are also currently sidelined due to injuries, while Gabriel Magalhaes is still in rehabilitation for a thigh injury and has not yet resumed training.

A significant midfield reshuffle is anticipated, with Christian Norgaard, Mikel Merino, and Eberechi Eze making way. Martin Zubimendi is set to take on the role of holding midfielder, with Declan Rice positioned as the number eight.

Martin Odegaard is expected to return to the number 10 position, replacing Eze, who had difficulty making a notable impact during the recent London derby victory against his former club.

In the final third, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli may be replaced by Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, respectively, while Viktor Gyokeres is likely to take the lead position ahead of Gabriel Jesus.

On Tuesday, Madueke was ineffective from the right wing, squandering two significant opportunities. Saka is a guaranteed starter in this position for both league and European matches, and he will certainly be included in the starting eleven.

Martinelli had an outstanding performance in the derby, winning three dribbles, but he sustained a knee injury just before half-time. The Brazilian was seen limping, raising doubts about his availability.

As a result, Trossard appears set to begin on the left flank. The £27 million acquisition is having one of his most successful seasons, contributing to 11 goals in 20 appearances for Arsenal.

Jesus played 86 minutes against Palace midweek and was thwarted from scoring by the exceptional performance of goalkeeper Walter Benitez. Gyokeres is expected to be chosen to lead the attack today. Jesus might only feature briefly as the club aims to manage his workload following a serious knee injury.

How Arsenal could line up against Brighton

Expected Arsenal line-up against Brighton

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard