Arsenal will switch the Premier League for Carabao Cup action in midweek as they face off against Brighton and Hove Albion.
It’s the first meeting between the two teams this season, with both looking to secure a place in the next round of the competition.
Arsenal made it to the Carabao Cup semi-finals last season, before they were knocked out at the hands of eventual winners Newcastle.
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This time, they have plans to make it all the way, having already beaten Port Vale in the third round of the competition.
Mikel Arteta could ring the changes for Arsenal when taking on Brighton, so here’s a look at a predicted XI for the clash.
Mikel Arteta during Athletic de Bilbao v Arsenal - UEFA Champions League
Photo by Cesar Ortiz/Soccrates/Getty Images
Arsenal predicted team for Brighton in Carabao Cup
With some of Arsenal’s injury concerns, and a busy schedule over the next week or so before the international break, there could be some rotation in order for the team.
A whole backline change could be in order, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly in line for a potential return to the team.
Piero Hincapie could be given his full debut for Arsenal, having made his first appearance over the weekend.
Martin Zubimendi could hold the base of the midfield alongside Christian Norgaard, with Eberechi Eze keeping that attacking midfield position.
Ethan Nwaneri has found opportunities hard to come by this season, with an opportunity at right-wing available with no other backup to Bukayo Saka.
There have been some top performances from Leandro Trossard, who could feature on the left again.
Up front there may be an opportunity for some changes, with Viktor Gyokeres in need of a rest.
With very few other options, Mikel Merino could slot in there to help rotate the team, having shown some form in the attacking third.
It would be a much-changed lineup, handing opportunities to those in the squad who deserve a chance to shine, while there is plenty of strength on the bench with the likes of Saka, Rice and Gyokeres.
Arsenal predicted XI: Arrizabalaga; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Norgaard; Trossard, Eze, Nwaneri; Merino.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Brighton
Arsenal predicted XI vs Brighton
Viktor Gyokeres rotation needed after tough Arsenal start
Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal this summer with the idea of completing the forward line with the clinical striker they have needed.
The Swedish international has slowly improved, but he hasn’t quite hit the heights that many expected of him.
While some of that may be down to some compromise needed by both the player and the squad, there is also a huge burden on him to be the starting forward at the moment.
With no other regular striker currently behind him, due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, the early weeks have been all about Gyokeres.
Perhaps, as a result, the forward needs a little bit of a rest.
That would have him fit and back to his best for the upcoming Premier League clash with Burnley over the weekend, with that extra bit of sharpness needed for such an encounter.
Once Havertz returns, we could start to see Gyokeres at his very best, but for now it is all about managing him the best the team can.