Confirmed Arsenal line-up vs Brighton, Saka starts
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made eight changes to the starting line-up for today’s Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are currently one point behind Liverpool for the top spot following a disappointing 1-0 loss at Aston Villa. They should have won the match with the chances created.
Arteta will want a strong showing this afternoon and ahead of the game, he has opted to make eight changes from the 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
David Raya is back in goal ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, who was handed his Champions League debut in midweek. The Spaniard will be eyeing his first clean sheet since November.
In defence, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko have reclaimed their places in the full-back roles. Cedric Soares and Jakub Kiwior have dropped to the bench from the Eindhoven trip.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes continue as the central defensive pairing.
Declan Rice returns in the number six role ahead of Jorginho. Alongside the Italian, Mohamed Elneny also makes way. Elneny picked up a hamstring injury in midweek.
Jorginho misses the game today with a foot issue, according to the Gunners.
Rice will be accompanied by Kai Havertz in the centre of the park with club captain Martin Odegaard returning to the line-up in his preferred attacking midfield position.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli come back into the team in the wide attacking roles while Gabriel Jesus will lead the attack. Eddie Nketiah drops to the substitutes’ bench.
The Englishman will be joined by Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Brighton: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Havertz; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus.
Arsenal have the opportunity to at least temporarily climb back to the top of the table if they beat Brighton on the road.
The club are currently on a 12-match unbeaten run at home but their last defeat came against the Seagulls back in May.
Hence, they can’t be taken lightly and the Gunners must play at their best this afternoon to come on top with maximum points.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
