The Arsenal lineup that should start against Brighton on the final day

Arsenal take on Brighton at the Emirates Stadium in their final game of the Premier League season with hopes of qualifying for Europe somehow still alive.

The Gunners could also finish above local rivals Tottenham Hotspur if results go their way and so there is plenty to play for heading into Sunday's fixture. Regardless of how things unfold, Arsenal's season has been a disappointing one but sneaking into next season's Europa Conference League would mean a 26th consecutive season in Europe - a record the club are extremely proud of.

Failure to do so would certainly be seen as a black mark against Mikel Arteta's name even if some of the fanbase aren't particularly enthused by playing in Europe's third-tier competition.

Taking into account the significance of Brighton's visit on Sunday, here is the team Arteta should name versus Graham Potter's Seagulls.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) - The German stopper is Arsenal's number one and given the Gunners can still qualify for European competition next season, Arteta should select his strongest side.

Calum Chambers (RB) - The 26-year-old has given a good account of himself at full-back in recent weeks. With Hector Bellerin reportedly headed for the exit door, the Englishman could be the man to fill the void moving forwards.

Rob Holding (CB) - With the departing David Luiz out injured, Holding has been filling in on the right side of the central defence. For the most part, he's proven a capable deputy and continues to improve.

Gabriel (CB) - He started the season brilliantly but his performances haven't been as convincing in recent months. He has the physical presence and speed along the ground that none of Arsenal's alternatives can match.

Kieran Tierney (LB) - To put it simply, he's great and is the only left-back in the squad.

2. Midfielders

Granit Xhaka (CM) - Having been tasked with filling in at left-back prior to picking up an injury, it's been a while since the Switzerland captain has patrolled the midfield. He's been sorely missed.

Thomas Partey (CM) - The Ghanaian hasn't had the best of first seasons with the Gunners but alongside Xhaka, they're Arsenal's best pairing and by quite some distance.

Emile Smith Rowe (AM) - The 'Croydon De Bruyne' has been a breath of fresh air since coming into the side just after Christmas and when fit, he simply has to play.

3. Forwards

Nicolas Pepe (RW) - Fresh off the back of a brace at Crystal Palace, Pepe's been in good form of late and deserves to start again. He always carries a goal threat and only Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have scored more than him this season.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - The Brazilian came off of the bench to score a vital goal for the Gunners at Selhurst Park and has done enough in recent weeks to warrant a start. Bukayo Saka looks tired and could do with a weekend off.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) - Was left out of the starting eleven at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night but has impressed throughout the season. Links up with those around him much more effectively than Aubameyang who has looked out of sorts all season.