Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton - Premier League
- Arsenal deployed much-changed starting XI in 1-1 Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven
- Bukayo Saka, David Raya and Gabriel Jesus expected to return
- Gabriel Martinelli doubtful due to illness
Arsenal's convincing form in the Champions League allowed Mikel Arteta to rest key players in the draw at PSV Eindhoven on the final group stage matchday.
Eddie Nketiah scored for the Gunners before Yorbe Vertessen equalised, with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Jakub Kiwior and Reiss Nelson all making starts, but a return to a more familiar starting XI is guaranteed when Brighton visit the Emirates on Sunday.
The Seagulls had their own European commitments on Thursday, sealing a place in the Europa League last 16 by beating Marseille, and their squad depth will be tested when they make the trip to north London.
With Arteta facing a few injury issues, here's the Arsenal lineup he could select in Gameweek 17.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya - Dropped out of the starting XI as Aaron Ramsdale started the draw with PSV but should return in another telling selection from Arteta.
RB: Ben White - Alternatives Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both sidelined, leaving the right-back spot to 26-year-old White.
CB: William Saliba - Has started all six of Arsenal's games since the November international break but was hauled off just after the hour mark on Tuesday.
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes - Now into his fourth season as an Arsenal player, Gabriel is nine appearances away from hitting 150 in all competitions for the north London club.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko - In line for a 12th league start of the season, registering a goal and an assist from left-back.
CM: Martin Odegaard - Has two goals and two assists in his five games against Brighton, most recently netting in last season's 4-2 win at the AMEX.
CM: Declan Rice - Played at centre-back during his sub appearance in midweek Champions League action but will return to his familiar midfield role against Brighton.
CM: Kai Havertz - Like Odegaard, Havertz also scored in his last trip to Brighton's home ground, albeit in a 4-1 loss for former side Chelsea.
RW: Bukayo Saka - Finished the Champions League group stage being directly involved in more goals from open play than any other player this season, bagging three goals and four assists.
ST: Gabriel Jesus - Eddie Nketiah netted a nice goal in midweek but the striker spot should return to Jesus. Both scored and assisted in recent wins over Luton Town and Lens.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli - Missed the midweek game due to illness and Arteta will hope to have the Brazilian available on Sunday. If not, Leandro Trossard would be his natural replacement on the left wing.
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