Injury blow confirmed, Martinelli dropped: Expected Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Arsenal will be aiming to climb to the top of the Premier League when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

The Gunners have started the campaign with victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa and will be looking to continue the streak against the Seagulls.

Brighton have been impressive with back-to-back wins under new manager Fabian Hurzeler and Arsenal have to play at their best to get another three points in the bag.

Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a fresh blow with midfielder Mikel Merino ruled out for several weeks after a small fracture in his shoulder.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya made a superb point-blank save against Wolves and repeated the feat versus Villa away from home. The Spaniard is an undisputed starter in goal for the Gunners.

It should be the same backline from the 2-0 win over Villa. Ben White and Jurrien Timber are assured to continue from the right-back and left-back positions.

William Saliba, who was outstanding last weekend, is expected to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence.

Thomas Partey had a more assured performance against Unai Emery’s side after a nervy start versus Wolves. He controlled the proceedings in the second half and bagged a well-deserved goal.

He should start in the number six role, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard operating in central midfield.

Rice was unlucky to miss out on an assist against Villa. He provided an inch-perfect pass for Odegaard, who fluffed his lines at 2-0.

Bukayo Saka is guaranteed to feature on the right wing. The Englishman bagged a goal and an assist in the curtain-raiser. His pass was largely responsible for Leandro Trossard’s goal last weekend before another assist for Partey.

Kai Havertz has made two goal contributions already and is expected to lead the attack. The only change could be on the left wing, with Gabriel Martinelli making way for Trossard.

Martinelli barely made his mark on the game at Villa Park. Trossard showed why he has been a revelation for Arsenal by scoring with his first touch.

The Belgian deserves to get the nod over the 23-year-old. He should be very motivated to excel against his former employers.

How Arsenal could line up vs Brighton