Arsenal vs Brighton Prediction: Arsenal line-up
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Norwich City at Carrow Road in the Premier League on Sunday in what was Freddie Ljungberg’s first game in charge of the Gunners as the caretaker manager.
The Gunners currently sit 8th on the standings after winning only 4 out of their 14 games so far and they will be looking forward to a positive result when they play host to Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday night.
Brighton are well down in the bottom half of the table and they will clearly fancy their chances of nabbing a point against a rattled Arsenal unit, having suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Liverpool last time out.
Team News
Freddie Ljungberg doesn’t have too many injuries to contend with heading into the fixture against Brighton on Thursday. Dani Ceballos continues to be out with a thigh problem while Hector Bellerin (thigh) and Rob Holding (knee) are doubtful to feature in the matchday squad.
Predicted XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Bernd Leno (GK)
The German made some excellent saves in goal to deny Norwich City a winner on Sunday and he has always been the undisputed first-choice at the club.
Calum Chambers (RB)
The former Southampton man came out on top against Norwich’s Onel Hernandez more often than not and he is expected to continue in the absence of Bellerin.
David Luiz (CB)
The Brazilian hasn’t been in very good touch this season but Arsenal hardly have too many better options in central defence.
Sokratis (CB)
The Greek international was rested for the trip to Carrow Road on Sunday but he is expected to replace Shkodran Mustafi on the team sheet against Brighton.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The former Celtic star didn’t enter the field of play against Norwich but he should start ahead of Kolasinac, who failed to make much of an impact.
Lucas Torreira (CM)
The Uruguayan only played a cameo at Carrow Road on Sunday but he should be amongst the starters against Brighton if Ljungberg opts to rotate his squad.
Granit Xhaka (CM)
The Swiss international struggled to cope with Norwich’s attackers on Sunday but he has started more often than not for the Gunners in the Premier League this season.
Nicolas Pepe (RW)
The Ivorian should be fresh and ready to start against Brighton after warming the bench during the 2-2 draw at Carrow Road on Sunday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
The Gabonese hitman continued his rich vein of form with a brace against Norwich and Arsenal will once again rely heavily on him to deliver the goods in front of goal on Thursday.
Mesut Ozil (CAM)
The German wizard failed to make too much of an impact in the last game but Arsenal do not have too many options in that No.10 role, with Ceballos out injured.
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Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman lacked his usual sharpness in the draw against Norwich but his understanding with Aubameyang could make all the difference for the Gunners.
