Arsenal predicted XI vs Brighton as Mikel Arteta makes eight changes amid Jurrien Timber call

Arsenal take on Brighton in what is being billed as the Gunners’ trickiest game of the season so far. Fabian Hurzeler last season accused Mikel Arteta’s side of playing by their own rules and that his side were the only one that wanted to play football.

After missing out on five defenders for the League Cup win over Ipswich Town, there are question marks over who will partner the existing players. William Saliba remains out and will be so for the long term, while at right-back, there is concern over availability.

However, this could be the first time we see the team nearly at its absolute peak, besides the absence of Saliba. Jurrien Timber and Bruno Guimaraes could be set for key roles on the south coast as the Gunners attempt to make it five wins from five in the Premier League.

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David Raya

The Spaniard was critical to the Gunners’ win at Sunderland with his penalty save and will no doubt be tested again on the south coast.

Jurrien Timber

After missing out in midweek due to a precaution, the Dutchman is expected to return and start for the first time this season.

Ezri Konsa

A tricky performance in midweek playing on the left, but the England international has been excellent in the Premier League so far.

Gabriel

The Brazilian was allowed 45 minutes before being brought off on Tuesday at half-time. He will have plenty to deal with from Charalampos Kostoulas or Georginio Rutter.

Riccardo Calafiori

Another who was given a full week’s rest and has been the dynamic thrusting force of the Arsenal left flank, and will look to break the mould again on Saturday.

Declan Rice

Not even in the squad for the trip to Ipswich, and will certainly benefit from the rest.

Bruno Guimaraes

After his goal at Sunderland, the Brazilian has given Arteta little choice but to pick him for this game and it could be a sign of things to come.

Martin Odegaard

The skipper couldn’t help but get on the pitch on Tuesday, but should still be able to keep up his form this weekend after a big start to the season.

Bukayo Saka

A penalty in Sunderland took his tally to three in four games for Saka. Now he will be aiming for another goal against the Seagulls.

Kai Havertz

Another who was able to get a full week’s rest, and with how Viktor Gyokeres performed, competition for his position is not exactly vicious.

Christos Tzolis

Eberechi Eze struggled to impress on Tuesday and will not have done close to enough in order to displace Christos Tzolis from the left, who many felt was something of a ‘Brighton-type’ signing.