Jurrien Timber start, Martinelli is back,Partey to pair with Declan Rice': Arteta makes 5 big changes, Saka missing | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Brighton

 

Mikel Arteta’s side can go temporarily top of the table with a win at Brighton. Liverpool won’t be in action until Sunday afternoon against Manchester United on the road.

Ahead of the game, we anticipate plenty of changes from the 2-0 win over Luton Town.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya is the club’s undisputed choice in goal ahead of Aaron Ramsdale. He kept his 11th clean sheet of the league season against the Hatters. The Spaniard will be eyeing another shut-out against the Seagulls on the road.

In front of him, there should be a solitary change in the backline. Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are assured starters, though Oleksandr Zinchenko could be replaced by the in-form Jakub Kiwior at left-back.

Similarly, Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe are anticipated to make way for Jorginho and Declan Rice respectively in the centre of the park. The duo will partner Martin Odegaard. Smith Rowe had a good outing versus Luton as he played a part in both goals scored. However, we don’t see him starting.

Bukayo Saka was missing from yesterday’s training session as he continues to recover from a thigh issue. With him sidelined, Gabriel Jesus could start on the right wing ahead of Reiss Nelson. Gabriel Martinelli is a strong candidate to replace Leandro Trossard on the left side of the Gunners’ attack.

Kai Havertz looks set to feature as the main striker once more. The German has eight goal contributions in his last six league appearances. His aerial threat in and around the box should be a handful for Brighton defenders.