Following an impressive win over BATE Borisov, Arsenal will look to continue their good form as they face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend in the Premier League. Lots of youngsters were given a chance in the win over BATE and some of them even stood out. However, head coach Arsene Wenger is expected to reinstate his big guns, as he seeks to make up some lost ground early on in the season.
Here’s a look at how they might up against the Seagulls.
Goalkeeper: First choice goalkeeper Petr Cech will return to the side, after handing the spot to David Ospina in the Europa League fixture. Cech needs to be in his best form against the sharp attacking Brighton side.
Center Back(R): Shkodran Mustafi will probably be one of the few players to retain his spot in the starting lineup. The German International was recently named in Joachim Loew’s squad for the upcoming friendlies.
Center Back: Captain Laurent Koscielny will return to the side replacing Per Mertesacker. Koscielny will be looking for a clean sheet against the Seagulls.
Center Back(L): Monreal will also return to the side, replacing Rob Holding in the central defence. He will potentially be a key outlet for Arsenal, especially in the build-up game.
Right Wingback: Expect Hector Bellerin to start on the right wingback position. The Spanish International was replaced by youngster Reiss Nelson for his first senior start for the club. Bellerin will look to use his pace to breach the opposition defence.
Central Midfield(R): Aaron Ramsey is expected to start in the central midfield position. The Welshman has featured in all of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures this season, scoring a goal and providing two assists in the process.
Central Midfield(L): Much was made of Jack Wilshere’s impressive performance in the midweek with the English midfielder even wanting to stay at the club to prove himself. However, for much of Wilshere’s disapproval, he isn’t expected to start this weekend. Granit Xhaka will partner Ramsey in central midfield.
Left Wingback: Sead Kolasinac has been in terrific form of late. The new signing from Schalke this summer has managed to get used to the conditions very quickly at Arsenal. He will play a key role in the wings as Arsenal look to get past the Brighton defence.
Attacking Midfield/Winger(R): There is only a very slight chance that Mesut Ozil will be fit enough to start against Brighton. If he doesn’t recover in time as is expected, Theo Walcott’s superb performance against BATE might earn him a starting berth in the lineup this weekend.
Attacking Midfield/Winger(L): Alexis Sanchez will return to the starting eleven. Sanchez’s partnership with Walcott signals for a pacy attacking lineup from Arsenal.
Striker: Alexandre Lacazette is the man of the moment for Gunners right now. The French striker has found the back of the net four times in just six matches. He will look to extend his already impressive tally this weekend against Brighton.
This is how they might line up:
