Gyokeres Eyes Arsenal Starting Spot After Stunning Everton Strike as Gunners Face Brighton Test
Arsenal will be looking to maintain their momentum and avoid any festive period letdown when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates for their Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.
The North London side secured their position at the summit during Christmas following their determined win against Everton and currently maintain a two-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. Given Pep Guardiola's squad's impressive run of form and Aston Villa's strong title credentials, there's no room for complacency against the Seagulls.
Arsenal have already defeated Brighton this campaign in the Carabao Cup—they've subsequently progressed to the last four—and possess significantly more attacking quality than their struggling opponents. Nevertheless, Fabian Hürzeler's team are certainly capable of causing an upset. The Gunners must remain vigilant.
Here's the potential starting eleven Mikel Arteta might deploy for Brighton's arrival.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Raya delivered another polished display at Goodison Park to prevent a repeat of previous Merseyside disappointments this campaign. He demonstrates excellence in every appearance for Arsenal.
RB: Jurriën Timber—The reliable Netherlands international neutralized Jack Grealish effectively last time out and will encounter another intriguing challenge at home. Maxim De Cuyper, Diego Gómez and Kaoru Mitoma all represent possible threats down Arsenal's right flank.
CB: William Saliba—Everton's Thierno Barry troubled Saliba more than anticipated and the Arsenal centre-back was fortunate not to concede a spot-kick for a clear infringement on his fellow countryman. Will aim for fewer complications against compatriot Georginio Rutter or former Gunner Danny Welbeck.
CB: Piero Hincapié—With Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera remaining unavailable due to fitness concerns, the summer signing Hincapié will earn another opportunity, having impressed since being thrust into Arsenal's backline.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—Yankuba Minteh's explosive pace could pose problems for Calafiori, who sometimes shows excessive enthusiasm in his defensive approach.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—Arsenal's creative hub will play a crucial role in breaking down Brighton's attacking setup. The Norwegian should find ample space to display his technical brilliance.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—His latest excellent showing against Everton highlighted how vital Zubimendi has already become to Arsenal's system.
CM: Declan Rice—His exceptional performance earned glowing reviews from Wayne Rooney, who suggested he could eventually replace Harry Kane as England's skipper. The former United legend's evaluation seems well-founded.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Frequently Arsenal's game-changer, Saka will target another goal against Brighton after finding the net in their October Carabao Cup encounter.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—The striker was in need of a goal and took penalty responsibilities against Everton, converting the match-winning spot-kick. He'll be eager to build on that success against Brighton.
LW: Leandro Trossard—Despite Arsenal's wealth of left-wing alternatives, Trossard was chosen ahead of Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli in the previous fixture. He could torment his old club on Saturday.
