Arsenal mean business at the start of 2024/25 and are aiming to maintain their 100% record in the Premier League when they welcome Brighton to the Emirates.
The Gunners have proven to be mightily efficient to begin the new season, with a comfortable win over Wolves followed up by a vengeful triumph over Aston Villa, who they lost to twice last season.
Arsenal have gears to move through and Brighton will put them through their paces this weekend. The Seagulls look reborn under Fabian Hurzeler and, like Saturday’s opponents, have won their opening two games of the season.
Mikel Arteta will not be making wholesale changes to his starting XI, but there may be a subtle adjustment or two. Here’s the lineup he could pick for Brighton’s visit.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya – Raya may have produced his best Premier League performance in Arsenal colours last weekend as he played a key role in the Gunners’ huge away win. The Spaniard is two for two when it comes to clean sheets.
RB: Ben White – The already adored White went further up in the estimations of Arsenal supporters when he booted the ball at John McGinn last weekend after the Scotsman had done the same to William Saliba.
CB: William Saliba – Speaking of, Saliba was excellent last weekend having started the season poorly against Wolves.
CB: Gabriel – It’s been a steady start to the season for Gabriel, who now has competition in the form of Riccardo Calafiori. For now, the Brazilian remains the firm number one choice to partner Saliba.
LB: Jurrien Timber – Timber produced a pretty rusty start last weekend, but Arteta should persevere with the Dutchman and allow him to get up to speed once more. Calafiori is another option, but Timber should get the nod given his one-on-one abilities and the presence of Yankuba Minteh down Brighton’s right.
DM: Thomas Partey – The Ghanaian offers undeniable quality in possession but less control at transitions and in the build-up. Arsenal have coped with the trade-off thus far, but it won’t be long until Partey is out of the starting XI.
CM: Declan Rice – The £105m man is easing into the new season following a busy summer. He’s looked leggy in the opening two games and Arteta now has Mikel Merino to call upon. Rice won’t be coming out of the XI, though.
CM: Martin Odegaard – The Arsenal captain has impressed in this fixture as of late, but the dogmatic Hurzeler will make a concerted effort to ensure Odegaard doesn’t dictate proceedings.
RW: Bukayo Saka – Saka has delivered many of Arsenal‘s key moments at the start of the new season, recording three contributions through two games. The Gunners’ starboy has Jack Hinshelwood in his sights.
ST: Kai Havertz – Arteta will turn to Havertz to penetrate Brighton’s high defensive line on Saturday. Manchester United couldn’t make the most of the space surrendered in behind, but Havertz is excellent at timing his runs and could have plenty of joy.
LW: Leandro Trossard – Gabriel Martinelli struggled last weekend and his replacement, Trossard, made an immediate impact off the bench. The Belgian should start against his former club this weekend.
