Pepe and Mari to start? Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Brighton and Hove Albion

published

13/3/2020 12:30 AM

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Arsenal prediction: Arsenal line-up

Arsenal travel to the South Coast as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday at the AMEX Stadium after their game against Manchester City was called off.

Mikel Arteta’s men are heading into the game on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win against West Ham. They need to take maximum points to keep their hopes of qualifying for Europe alive. But it will not be an easy fixture as the Seagulls had defeated them earlier in the season.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Getty Images) — Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. (Getty Images)

However, given Brighton’s recent form, the Gunners have an extra edge and should be able to come out victorious with a decent margin.

Team News

Calum Chambers and Sead Kolasinac are ruled of the game as they are still under treatment for the injuries, they picked up earlier. And Lucas Torreira is set to be on the sidelines after injuring his ankle a few weeks back. He will be a notable absentee.

At the same time, Kieran Tierney and Cedric Soares are doubtful for the fixture due to a lack of fitness.

Predicted Arsenal XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bernd Leno (GK)

The German shot-stopper was brilliant in the last outing and will retain his spot as he is the first-choice in goal for Arsenal.

Hector Bellerin (RB)

Bellerin has been troubled with injuries but should return to the line-up after missing out against the Hammers. He will need to support the team’s attack.

David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian is expected to retain his spot and need to stop Brighton’s attacking unit. He needs to be a leader at the back.

Pablo Mari (CB)

Mari has been excellent for the Gunners since his debut. He will partner Luiz in the heart of the defence.

Bukayo Saka (LB)

The teenager has done an exceptional job in an unfavoured position so far. He will be an undoubted starter in the absence of the other left-backs.

Dani Ceballos (CM)

The Spaniard has got his fair share of game time under Arteta but needs to be decisive in the attacking phase. He is expected to start ahead of Matteo Guendouzi.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

The Swiss international should play a key role in breaking the opponent’s play. He will be partnering Ceballos in midfield in the absence of Lucas Torreira.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)

Despite the team’s inconsistency, Aubameyang has been scoring regularly for the Arteta’s side. He will be expected to make a huge contribution by scoring a handful of goals.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring for Arsenal. (Getty Images)

Mesut Ozil (AM)

Ozil looks confident since the arrival of the new manager. He should be able to provide a lot of goalscoring opportunities in the final third and will be expected to construct Arsenal’s game.

Nicolas Pepe (RW)

The Ivorian should look to take on the opponent’s defence as he is capable of doing so. Needs to get an assist or two for the welfare of the team.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST)

The Frenchman seems to have switched off in the last few weeks but should start ahead of Eddie Nketiah and regain his form by scoring at the right time.