Arsenal predicted XI vs Brighton with estimated eight changes to lineup that faced PSV Eindhoven

Arsenal will hope to return to winning ways when they take part in one of the standout games of the weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Gunners have been the pacesetters at the top of the table for most of the campaign with 36 points from their 16 games so far - but last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa opened the door for 2020 winners Liverpool who rose to the top of the league table with a last gasp victory over Crystal Palace.

Arsenal know that they will need to be at their best if they are to return to the summit. Their opponents Brighton enter the game in high spirits after topping their Europa League group and will be optimistic of their chances of shocking the Gunners for the second time this year after a 3-0 away victory at the end of last season.

Mikel Arteta’s side made several changes to their team for their final Champions League group stage game with top spot already secured. But what sort of team is he likely to field at the Emirates this weekend?

Here London World takes a look at Arsenal’s predicted starting XI.

Arsenal predicted starting XI vs Brighton

Goalkeeper: David Raya

One of the most discussed topics among Arsenal fans this season has been the consistent rotation of both David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale made a return to the lineup for the final Champions League game against PSV but is likely to drop back to the bench with Raya starting his fourth game in a row.

Right back: Ben White

Ben White rarely misses a game for Arsenal when he is available and he is expected to be involved in his 15th game of the season.

Centre back: Gabriel Magalhães

Gabriel Magalhaes has missed just one league game since the start of September and remains a fundamental part of Arsenal’s defence.

Centre back: William Saliba

William Saliba has been one of the best performing central defenders in the league. He will be tasked with keeping Brighton’s attacking players quiet.

Left back: Oleksandr Zinchenko

Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to start at left back ahead of Jakub Kiwior.

Centre midfield: Declan Rice

One of the first names on the team sheet based on current form and retains his place in the midfield after a brief spell at centre back in midweek.

Centre midfield: Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard is the key creative force in Arsenal’s team and he will hope to return to his best form against Brighton.

Centre midfield: Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz seems to have nailed down the centre midfield position this season after playing a number of different roles at Chelsea. The German has two goals in his last four league appearances and will hope to add to that figure.

Right winger: Bukayo Saka

Arsenal’s main attacking threat Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the lineup after a rest in mid-week.

Striker: Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus has been preferred to Eddie Nketiah in recent weeks and that trend is likely to continue against Brighton.

Left winger: Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli is a slight doubt due to illness but is expected to make a full recovery for this crucial clash.