Astonishingly, Arsenal still have an outside chance of European football going into their final game of the season against Brighton tomorrow.
The Gunners still need both Tottenham and Everton to drop points, but a Europa Conference League place is still up for grabs if they can pick up a win versus the Seagulls.
Manager Mikel Arteta is, therefore, expected to pick a strong team. Bernd Leno will be selected in goal, with Hector Bellerin possibly replacing Calum Chambers at right-back if he is passed fit. It could be the Spaniard’s final game for the club.
At left-back, Kieran Tierney will want to carry on from where he left off against Crystal Palace, when he provided the assist for Nicolas Pepe’s opener. Rob Holding and Gabriel are likely to keep their places in the centre of defence.
In midfield, Granit Xhaka is expected to be recalled, after recovering from a groin injury. Mohamed Elneny is the likeliest to give way, with Thomas Partey taking up the other holding midfield role. Emile Smith Rowe may stay in the side ahead of Martin Odegaard to provide the creativity in the no.10 position.
Up front, Arteta could consider replacing the ineffective Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Alexandre Lacazette. Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe deserve to retain their places after their performances against Palace midweek.
Arsenal’s Predicted XI To Face Brighton:
Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Smith Rowe, Xhaka, Pepe, Lacazette, Saka
