Granit Xhaka starts, while Albert Sambi Lokonga is deployed in midfield as Mikel Arteta makes cautious changes for Arsenal’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mikel Arteta has named the best possible set of players to face Brighton & Hove Albion, with the focus on the left-back position. Nuno Tavares was poor in the last game, and hence, the manager has shifted Granit Xhaka to the full-back role. The former Arsenal captain has played there before, giving him an advantage.
Aaron Ramsdale starts in the Arsenal goal, with a back four in front of him. Cedric Soares keeps his place at right-back, with former Brighton defender Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes retaining their central defensive partnership.
? Team news…
? Xhaka starts at left-back
? Sambi in midfield
? Laca leads the lineCOME ON YOU GUNNERS!! ✊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 9, 2022
Albert Sambi Lokonga starts in central midfield, in the area vacated by the injured Thomas Partey. Ahead of the Belgian is a full-fledged attacking lineup, as Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard play on either side of him in what should be a midfield three.
Bukayo Saka starts on the right side of the Arsenal attack, while Alexandre Lacazette is preferred to lead the line against Brighton. Gabriel Martinelli returns to the starting eleven and starts in a left attacking role.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Xhaka, Odegaard, Lokonga, Smith Rowe, Saka, Lacazette, Martinelli