Mikel Arteta to make seven Arsenal changes vs Brighton as £27m star returns
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could make seven changes for Saturday’s Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are presently top of the league standings, but they have a slender two-point lead over Manchester City. Aston Villa are only three points behind them.
Hence, there is no room for error, and the club must respond with a victory over the Seagulls, whom they failed to beat in the league during the previous campaign (1-1 draws).
Arsenal got the better of Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round (2-0) this season, but the South Coast outfit had plenty of chances to score before the Gunners took the lead.
Brighton won’t be an easy challenge for the club. Ahead of the game, Arteta could make as many as seven changes from the Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace.
Raya back in goal
David Raya has been ever-present in goal for the Premier League and Champions League games this term. The £27 million signing is leading the Golden Glove race with nine clean sheets and will be eyeing another shut-out against Brighton. He is guaranteed to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The defence could stay unchanged from Tuesday, with Piero Hincapie nursing an injury.
Zubimendi, Rice & Odegaard return in midfield
Christian Norgaard had a good outing against the Seagulls. Arteta said that ‘he did very well‘. The Dane has played just 14 minutes in the league this season and will be hoping for more playing time. Martin Zubimendi, who is the regular number six, is poised to replace him in the XI on Saturday.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are very much nailed-on starters in the central midfield positions. Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze started in midweek, but neither made a significant contribution to persuade the manager to contemplate keeping them in the starting line-up against the Seagulls.
Saka, Gyokeres & Trossard start in attack
Noni Madueke had a lively opening half against Palace in midweek, but he was guilty of squandering two big scoring chances. The Englishman is poised to drop to the bench with Bukayo Saka set to start in the right wing position.
Gabriel Martinelli had a fabulous first half on the left wing in midweek. He clearly had the better of Jaydee Canvot, who could not cope with his movement. The Brazilian won three dribbles and delivered two quality crosses into the box.
Right before the break, Martinelli unfortunately suffered a heavy knock to his knee. He was spotted limping at the start of the second half too, before being replaced by Leandro Trossard. Unless he is fully fit, Trossard will get the nod.
The Belgian has been a revelation this term with 11 goal contributions. He has been a regular league starter and will be highly motivated to face his former club. Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead the line ahead of Gabriel Jesus.
Jesus had a good outing against Palace and was denied his first goal since January after a sensational save from Walter Benitez. He played 86 minutes in his first start after an 11-month injury lay-off and could be restricted to a bench role. Gyokeres netted from the penalty spot in the 1-0 win over Everton and has another big opportunity to get onto the scoresheet and cement his place as the first-choice striker.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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