English giants Arsenal will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on August 31st. Both teams have started the new 2024/25 Premier League season on a bright note.
They will be hungry to disrupt each other’s winning rhythm. Mikel Arteta’s side got the better of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa in their recent encounters.
Meanwhile, the Seagulls pulled out a major upset at the Falmer stadium against Manchester United last week. They also defeated Everton with their best attackers (Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck, and Kaoru Mitoma) being the source of their goals.
Back to it. 👊
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 26, 2024
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The visitors will face Crawley Town in the EFL Cup second round before battling with Arsenal. Brighton have won their last six away games but have failed to defeat the North London side in their previous two meetings.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have scored four goals without conceding even once this season. They have won eight games, lost five and drew thrice against the Seagulls. We might see some changes to the starting XI but the manager is expected to field his best players.
Here is how Arsenal could lineup against Brighton this weekend
Defence: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Maghalaes, Jurrien Timber
It looks obvious that Raya’s place in the main team has been fixed. His permanent move speaks the truth and the fans expect the shot-stopper to repeat his daring performance against Villa.
White will defend the right-back spot and Timber will be in contention to start ahead of Riccardo Calafiori on the left side of the defence. Saliba and Maghalaes will be entitled to the responsibility of leading the backline.
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Saliba looked solid against Villa and we expect another defensive masterclass from the French international. Jurrien Timber returns after facing a lengthy injury spell. Arteta decided to use the former Ajax star against Villa to provide more muscle and stability.
He will also work hard to stop Brighton star Mitoma’s powerful drives down the flanks.
Midfield: Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey
It remains to be seen whether Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino will be ready in time to face Fabian Hürzeler’s team. However, the Gooners might stick with the same midfield map.
Ødeegard will be captaining the host with Declan Rice acting as a box-to-box midfielder. Partey will be given the task of being an anchor, bridging the gap between midfield and defence.
Attack: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard
Saka was the club’s top scorer (16 goals) last season and also registered a goal in the first game against the Wolves. Havertz too got a goal for himself and we will need the German to be in fine form on Saturday.
Trossard will be the only surprising name on this list. The former Brighton star knows this team well and what’s better than using him at the Emirates?
Trossard: 🥶
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 26, 2024
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The 29-year-old changed the game against Villa. We predict his name to be on the score sheet at the Emirates. Gabriel Martinelli will be pushed to the bench after yet another dismal performance in the PL.
Gabriel Jesus’s groin injury will make him a doubt for this clash but Reiss Nelson is available to make an impact via the bench if he stays at the club beyond the Friday deadline.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton: Raya, White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Timber, Partey, Rice, Ødegaard, Saka, Havertz, Trossard.
