Leandro Trossard was on target for Arsenal at Villa Park. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal have picked up where they left off last season with the Premier League runners-up boasting a 100 per cent record after two matches.
They’ve taken up a familiar position behind early table-toppers Manchester City in the league table, but optimism is high ahead of the new campaign for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Their title credentials look set to be tested this weekend though, with an in-form Brighton & Hove Albion making the trip to north London.
Ahead of the lunchtime fixture, Express Sport have predicted how the Gunners might line up against Brighton later today.
David Raya kept a clean sheet against Aston Villa. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Brighton (4-3–3)
Goalkeeper: Raya
It’s been a busy couple of years in the goalkeeper department for Arsenal, with this summer’s transfer window proving no different.
No.1 pick between the sticks David Raya made his switch to the club permanent, Aaron Ramsdale departed for pastures new and Arsenal penned a deal for Neto to join as the side’s back-up.
However, they’ll be no surprise picks - barring a late injury - for today’s clash, with Neto set to resume his spot in goal.
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Jurrien Timber returned to the starting XI for the Aston Villa game. (Image: Getty)
Defence: Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, White
For the first time ever, Arsenal fans were treated to a glimpse of what their first-choice backline might look like going forward.
Jurrien Timber, back from his cruciate injury last season, started at left-back, while the usual suspects of Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White operated elsewhere in defence.
It worked, with Arsenal keeping a clean sheet and stability in defence is something Arteta has prided himself on, meaning it’s likely the hosts will copy and paste their back-four from last weekend.
Instead, one of the two goal-scorers vs Aston Villa, Thomas Partey, will likely retain his spot operating next to anchorman Declan Rice.
And of course, the jewel in the Arsenal midfield crown, Martin Odegaard, will look to pull the strings as he so often does in the middle of the park for Arteta’s men.
Leandro Trossard changed the game for Arsenal last weekend. (Image: Getty)
Attack: Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Leandro Trossard must be thinking what does he have to do to lockdown Arsenal’s left-wing spot?
Scorer of the winning goal at Villa Park, the super sub should be involved from the off when Brighton come to town this afternoon.
