Arsenal team news: Predicted XI vs Brighton as Havertz, Rice and Partey calls made

There is no margin for error for as they travel to tonight looking to keep the pressure on at the top of the table. on New Year’s Day cut the gap to six points, but the Gunners have played a game more than their title rivals.

is currently dealing with the long-term absence of Bukaya Saka and has other injury concerns ahead of the 5.30pm kick-off at the American Express Stadium. With three points against a necessity, Express Sport looks at how the Spaniard could line-up his team.

Arsenal’s predicted XI against Brighton (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Along with , have the meanest defence in the league this season having conceded just 17 goals. Although keeper David Raya narrowly avoided disaster at Brentford, scrambling back to clear off the line after nearly fumbling Keane Lewis-Potter’s shot into his own net.

That would have made it 2-0 Brentford and left the Gunners with a mountain to climb. As it happened, both Raya and recovered with the Spaniard certain to keep his place this weekend.

Defence: Partey, Saliba, Magalhaes, Calafiori

If the dilemma wasn’t problematic enough for Arteta, he could do without a defensive headache. But that’s exactly what he’s got with right-back Jurrien Timber ruled out with suspension, with the manager also confirming on Friday that Takehiro Tomiyasu is not back in full training.

Ben White is also ruled out long-term, meaning are likely to use as a stop-gap at full-back again. Another option would be to bring into the middle and move William Saliba across – but Arteta has thus far been reluctant to break-up the formidable centre-back partnership of the Frenchman and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Midfield: Odegaard, Rice, Merino

was only used as a second-half substitute at Brentford, but Arteta later insisted leaving his record-signing out of the XI was simply a measure to manage his workload. He’ll almost certainly return to the XI tonight, especially with Partey likely to change roles.

Captain has continued to play a pivotal role since his return with injury, while Mikel Merino appears to be finding his feet after a slow start to life in England. He struck to give his side the lead on Wednesday for just his second goal.

Forwards: Havertz, Jesus, Martinelli

Arteta expects to be available again after he missed the Brentford victory with illness, which could mean 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri moving back to the bench. It was inconceivable that a month ago would have been described as undroppable, but he now has six goals in four games having responded perfectly for calls for him to be sold this month.

Gabriel Martinelli is also in form with two goals in three games, and should keep his place. With still ruled out, the likes of Nwanieri and Leandro Trossard could still play important impact roles in the second half.