Arsenal are set to host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium tonight in the Carabao Cup fourth round, with Mikel Arteta expected to make several key adjustments to his squad. The Gunners come into this fixture with renewed confidence after receiving a major injury boost. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Riccardo Calafiori have all been declared fit and available for selection, adding strength and depth to the team. However, Arsenal will still miss William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both undergoing assessments following recent injuries.
Arteta’s rotation policy is likely to be in full swing once again. Following their narrow 1-0 league win over Crystal Palace, the manager is predicted to make seven or eight changes to keep his squad fresh for the upcoming Premier League clash with Burnley. Arsenal will also be seeking redemption after being held to two draws by Brighton last season, and a win tonight would secure them a much-needed spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to return after making his debut in the previous round against Port Vale. His compatriot, David Raya, is likely to be rested. The defence could see a complete reshuffle, with Ben White starting at right-back and Myles Lewis-Skelly possibly taking up the left-back role. Both Jurrien Timber and Calafiori may be rested to avoid fatigue. In central defence, Gabriel Magalhaes could make way for Piero Hincapie, who is set to make his full debut alongside Cristhian Mosquera after previously appearing only as a substitute.
The midfield is also set for a shake-up. Christian Norgaard may replace Martin Zubimendi as the deep-lying playmaker, while Rice could retain his position as the central midfielder. Arteta is expected to emphasize mobility and control in the middle of the park to counter Brighton’s energetic pairing of Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari. Mikel Merino could be pushed further up the field to provide attacking support and creativity behind the forward line.
Ethan Nwaneri, a talented academy product, might finally get his chance to impress as he’s tipped to start in the attacking midfield role over Eberechi Eze. His technical ability and composure in tight spaces could provide Arsenal with an edge. Arteta, however, remains cautious with Viktor Gyokeres due to the lack of fit strikers in the squad, which could see Merino take on the role of a makeshift centre-forward for the night.
On the flanks, Leandro Trossard is expected to retain his spot on the left wing, while Saka—who played limited minutes in the last match—is likely to feature on the right. Youngster Max Dowman could be brought on later in the game to gain valuable experience. With this blend of youth, experience, and tactical rotation, Arsenal’s predicted lineup signals both ambition and adaptability as they prepare to face Brighton under the Emirates lights.
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