Arsenal Face Brighton With Key Absentees and Selection Decisions
Arsenal’s Premier League journey continues this weekend with an important trip to Brighton, and manager Mikel Arteta has some tough decisions to make regarding his starting lineup. Following an impressive 1-0 victory over Brentford, Arsenal will be without defender Jurrien Timber, who has been suspended after accumulating a fifth yellow card. This presents Arteta with an opportunity to rotate his squad and make tactical adjustments ahead of the tough fixture.
Havertz Returns, Timber Suspended
The Gunners received a significant boost with the return of midfielder Kai Havertz, who missed Arsenal’s last match due to illness. Havertz has now rejoined training and is expected to feature in the squad for the trip to the south coast. On the other hand, Timber will be absent due to suspension, and Arteta is likely to reshuffle his defensive lineup. Thomas Partey, who typically plays in midfield, may be deployed at right-back, a role he has filled before with considerable success.
Tactical Tweaks and Rotation
There could also be changes in the full-back positions. Riccardo Calafiori, who returned from a groin injury in the Brentford match, may be rotated out, with Myles Lewis-Skelly coming in for a well-deserved start. The promising young talent impressed last month and could be a key asset in the upcoming match.
In midfield, Arteta is expected to bring Declan Rice back into the fold. Rice, who was benched in the win over Brentford due to a minor injury, will likely resume his role as the defensive anchor, providing much-needed support to the backline.
Offensive Dilemmas and Rotation Likely
In attack, Arteta faces a dilemma with the performance of 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. The youngster filled in for the injured Bukayo Saka on the right flank and delivered a commendable display. While Nwaneri could retain his spot, Arsenal’s packed schedule this January—featuring a Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle—might force Arteta into making some rotation choices.
Predicted Starting XI
Given the changes and suspensions, here is the most likely starting XI for Arsenal in their clash against Brighton:
Formation (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Raya
- Defenders: Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders: Odegaard, Rice, Merino
- Forwards: Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard
Injury and Suspension Updates
- Injured: Saka (hamstring), Sterling (knee), Tomiyasu (knee), White (knee)
- Suspended: Timber
Match Information:
- Time and Date: Saturday, 4 January 2025, 5:30 PM GMT
- Venue: Amex Stadium, Brighton
- TV Channel and Live Stream: Sky Sports
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
Arsenal’s Squad Options:
Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Heaven, Kiwior, Saliba, Tierney, Zinchenko; Havertz, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Jesus, Martinelli, Trossard.
