Predicted Arsenal XI to face Brighton in the Premier League
Arsenal got themselves back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Burnley in the Premier League last week and the Gunners will once again be the favourites to claim all three points when they make the trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day.
Unai Emery’s men currently sit 5th in the standings and they will be looking to climb into the top four with a win on Wednesday night.
Brighton lost 2-0 to Bournemouth in their previous outing and the Seagulls will be up against it once again this time around.
Team News
Nacho Monreal picked up a hamstring injury in the last game and his selection will be subject to a late fitness test while Shkodran Mustafi and Hector Bellerin are also doubtful to play a part due to thigh injuries.
Konstantinos Mavropanos (groin), Rob Holding (knee), Danny Welbeck (ankle) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (ankle) are all ruled out for the mid-week clash.
Manager: Unai Emery
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Predicted XI
1. Bernd Leno (GK)
The German was unlucky to have kept a clean sheet against Burnley and has been a reliable presence between the sticks for Arsenal this season.
2. Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB)
The youngster impressed with his all-around performance against Burnley and should continue if Bellerin doesn’t make it.
3. Sokratis (CB)
The Greek international has been a consistent performer for the Gunners at the heart of the defence this season and Emery should continue to rely on him.
4. Granit Xhaka (CB)
Injuries to Mustafi, Mavropanos, Monreal and Holding might once again force Emery to deploy him in an unfamiliar position.
5. Sead Kolasinac (LB)
The Bosnian was one of the standout performers for Arsenal last week, solid at the back and provided an attacking outlet down the left.
6. Matteo Guendouzi (LCM)
The youngster played some exquisite passes and kept things tight in the middle of the park last week.
7. Lucas Torreira (CDM)
He didn’t start the last game which might be an indication that Emery is going to hand him a start on Boxing Day.
8. Mohamed Elneny (RCM)
He got his first start of the season against Burnley and impressed with his work rate.
9. Mesut Ozil (CAM)
The German wizard marked his comeback with a fantastic performance last week and some of his passing was just a treat to watch.
10. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)
He has been in great touch this season and Arsenal will need him to continue his good work.
11. Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman linked up well with Aubameyang last week and has always been an indispensable component of Arsenal’s strike force.
