Predicted Arsenal XI to face Brighton in the Premier League
Arsenal beat Valencia 3-1 at Emirates in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night, thanks to a brace from Alexandre Lacazette and an injury-time goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubamenyang.
The Gunners have lost each of their last three Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Wolves and Leicester City and they will be desperate to bag all three points when they play host to a struggling Brighton side on Sunday.
Unai Emery’s side currently sit 5th in the standings, a couple of points behind Chelsea and one clear of Man United, which means that they would need to win both their remaining games to ensure a spot in the top-four.
Team News
Unai Emery has plenty of injuries to contend with heading into the home game against Brighton on Sunday. Laurent Koscielny was forced off the pitch with an injury against Valencia and the manager might not risk the captain against Brighton in the Premier League clash, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is suspended for having picked up a red card against Leicester City last week.
Aaron Ramsey (thigh), Hector Bellerin (knee), Rob Holding (knee), Denis Suarez (groin) and Danny Welbeck (ankle) are all ruled out.
Manager: Unai Emery
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Predicted XI
1. Bernd Leno (GK)
The German made a number of good saves in the 3-0 defeat to Leicester and he should come back into the team to replace Petr Cech, who played between the sticks in the Europa League tie.
2. Shkodran Mustafi (RCB)
He has proven himself to be a glaring liability at the back for the Gunners but Emery doesn’t have too many options to call upon.
3. Nacho Monreal (LCB)
The Spaniard came on as a substitute against Valencia but he might start on Sunday if Koscielny doesn’t make it to the eleven.
4. Sokratis (CB)
The Greek international has been a bit inconsistent in recent weeks but one would expect him to return to form against Brighton on Sunday.
5. Carl Jenkinson (RWB)
The Englishman has been used sporadically by Emery this season but the suspension of Maitland-Niles might open the door for him to get a start.
6. Sead Kolasinac (LWB)
He bagged the assist for Aubameyang’s goal on Thursday and has always been an asset to the team with his tireless running and immaculate crossing from the left.
7. Granit Xhaka (CM)
The Swiss international has been an influential figure for the Gunners in central midfield and there is no reason why he should be benched for this one.
8. Lucas Torreira (CM)
Matteo Guendouzi started in the Europa League tie but he was replaced by the Uruguayan shortly after half-time, which might be an indication that he is going to start on Sunday.
9. Mesut Ozil (CAM)
The German wizard has enjoyed a fruitful run in the first-team in the last few games and Emery should continue to rely on his playmaking abilities.
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10. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)
He is Arsenal’s top-scorer this season and they will need him to fire on all cylinders to propel them to a victory against Brighton.
11. Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman ran the show in the 3-1 Europa League triumph over Valencia, scoring a brace, and he will be the Gunners’ best bet to find the net on Sunday.
