Arsenal can finish 2020 with back-to-back Premier League wins – to only about everyone’s shock – once they go to Brighton on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta’s facet have endured a torrid time of it within the league up to now this season and had been winless since 1 November till they fought to a a lot wanted 3-1 victory in opposition to Chelsea on the weekend.
Brighton is not the simplest place to go contemplating their shaky kind and poor face to face report in opposition to the Seagulls, however a win can be big in lifting them away from the underside of the desk and again up the ranks, with Brighton at present sat 4 factors behind them in sixteenth.
The Gunners regarded a lot improved in opposition to Chelsea because of a change of form and angle. Here is who ought to begin in opposition to the Seagulls in what was beforehand tipped as a relegation six pointer.
Bernd Leno (GK) – Saved a penalty in opposition to Chelsea which can do wonders for the boldness of not solely him however his defenders, too.
Hector Bellerin (RB) – Bellerin has been topic to criticism this season however was immense on the weekend and thrived upon being given captaincy. Extra of the identical and he may be key to a turnaround in fortunes.
Rob Holding (CB) – Holding has additionally come below fireplace and, honestly, is part of the issue at Arsenal in that the squad merely is not ok. His dedication can’t be doubted, nevertheless, and he’ll seemingly begin once more right here.
Shkodran Mustafi (CB) – Pablo Mari regarded severely shaky on the weekend and with fixtures coming thick and quick, rotation is a should. Mustafi was a late substitute in opposition to Chelsea and should get the nod in opposition to Brighton.
Kieran Tierney (LB) – Equally to Bellerin, Tierney was given a brand new lease of life and regarded a lot sharper in a again 4. There have been nonetheless questionable moments, however his attacking prowess will likely be key on this one.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (DM) – Arsenal’s utility man is severely underrated, however has the possibility to show his price throughout a busy time of the yr. Maitland-Niles’ versatility will likely be key within the coming weeks and ease the strain on his fellow teammates.
Granit Xhaka (DM) – Scored a peach of a free kick within the Gunners’ 3-1 Chelsea victory and will likely be wanted to make sure Arsenal dominate midfield areas in opposition to Brighton who’ve a reliable midfield of their very own.
Nicolas Pepe (RW) – With fixtures coming thick and quick, Arsenal’s report signing is again within the XI in opposition to Brighton. Gabriel Martinelli have to be protected on his return from damage, so the Ivorian will get his likelihood and should take it.
Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – Smith Rowe slipped below the radar in opposition to Chelsea however was quietly a powerful addition to the XI. Stable off the ball motion, fast passing and a fearlessness in opposition to defenders, he is precisely what Arsenal lack proper now.
Bukayo Saka (LW) – Saka is one in all few shining lights in a dismally darkish Arsenal period. The 19-year-old appears a menace each time he touches the ball and may do it on both facet of the pitch. Belief within the youth, Mikel.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – Aubameyang should begin scoring upon his return from damage in an effort to take some strain off his facet. He’ll be recalled for the journey on Tuesday, which is the right likelihood for him to get again among the many targets and really kick off his marketing campaign.