Arsenal mean business at the start of 2024/25 and aim to maintain their 100% record in the Premier League when they welcome Brighton to the Emirates.
The Gunners have proved very efficient to start the new season, with a comfortable win over Wolves followed by a revenge triumph over Aston Villawho he lost to twice last season.
arsenal they have gears to move and Brighton will put them to the test this weekend. The Seagulls appear to be reborn under Fabian Hurzeler and, like Saturday’s opponents, have won their first two games of the season.
Mikel Arteta won’t be making wholesale changes to his starting eleven, but there may be one or two subtle tweaks. Here’s the line-up I could choose for the Brighton visit.
GK: David Raya – Raya might have produced his best Premier League performance in Arsenal colors last weekend as he played a key role in the Gunners’ big away win. The Spanish are two for two when it comes to clean sheets.
RB: Ben White – The already adored White moved higher in the estimations of Arsenal fans when he threw the ball at John McGinn last weekend after the Scot had done the same to William Saliba.
CB: William Saliba – Speaking of which, Saliba was excellent last weekend after a poor start to the season against Wolves.
CB: Gabriel – It’s been a consistent start to the season for Gabriel, who now has competition in the form of Riccardo Calafiori. For now, the Brazilian remains the firm number one choice to partner Saliba.
LB: Jurrien Timber – Timber had a rather rusty start last weekend, but Arteta should persevere with the Dutchman and allow him to catch up again. Calafiori is another option but Timber should get the nod given his individual skills and the presence of Yankuba Minteh down the right for Brighton.
DM: Thomas Party – The Ghanaian offers undeniable quality in possession, but less control in transitions and preparation. Arsenal have dealt with the compensation so far, but it won’t be long until Partey is out of the starting XI.
CM: Declan Rice – The £105m man is heading into the new season after a busy summer. In the first two games he has shown his legs and Arteta now has Mikel Merino to call upon. Rice will not leave the XI, however.
CM: Martin Odegaard – The Arsenal captain has impressed in this game of late, but dogmatic Hurzeler will make a concerted effort to ensure Odegaard does not dictate proceedings.
RW: Bukayo So… Saka has delivered many of Arsenal’s key moments at the start of the new season, registering three contributions in two games. The Gunners star has Jack Hinshelwood in his sights.
ST: Kai Havertz – Arteta will turn to Havertz on Saturday to penetrate Brighton’s high defensive line. Manchester United were unable to make the most of the space given to them at the back, but Havertz is excellent at timing his runs and could have plenty of joy.
LW: Leandro Trossard – Gabriel Martinelli struggled last weekend and his replacement, Trossard, made an immediate impact off the bench. The Belgian should start against his former club this weekend.
