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Arsenal vs Brighton: Combined XI

Who would make it in if you combined both squads?

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Arsenal host Brighton this weekend in a game that is set to have massive ramifications for both sides as the season approaches it’s finale.

The Gunners sit a point behind Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, though the Cityzens have a game in hand. A first Premier League title since 2004 seems unlikely at this stage, but dropping points against the Seagulls would all but guarantee Mikel Arteta’s side finish second rather than first.

As for Brighton, they have European football on their mind. Having been thrashed 5-1 by Everton on Monday, they currently sit in 7th place, two points behind Tottenham in the final Europa League spot, though they do have two games in hand on the Lilywhites.

For both sides then, it is a massive occasion, and they will need their best players to stand up and be counted.

But who would make it into the starting XI if you combined both squads? We took a look.

GK: Aaron Ramsdale

Ramsdale underlined his credentials as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League with an excellent performance against Newcastle, which Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele promptly followed up by scoring an own goal as his side were thrashed 5-1 by relegation-threatened Everton.

RB: Ben White

The defender has moved back to right-back this season, and has proved a revelation in defence for Mikel Arteta’s side, while he has also popped up with an impressive five assists from the flank.

London, UK. 15th Jan, 2023. Ryan Sessegnon of Tottenham challenges Ben White of Arsenal during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage/Alamy Live News 2M8TM99 London, UK. 15th Jan, 2023. Ryan Sessegnon of Tottenham challenges Ben White of Arsenal during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)

CB: Lewis Dunk

With William Saliba injured, Arsenal’s defence has been thrown into chaos, with Rob Holding failing to impress before being ousted by Jakub Kiwior, who has just three Premier League appearances to his name.

Lewis Dunk, meanwhile, hasn’t missed a Premier League minute this season under either Graham Potter or Roberto De Zerbi, and has firmly placed himself in the conversation for the upcoming England internationals through a series of excellent performances for the Seagulls.

CB: Gabriel

Arsenal’s most improved player this season, Brazilian defender Gabriel has been excellent at the heart of defence for Mikel Arteta’s side. Starting every game, the centre-back has even popped up with three goals, and is a major threat from set pieces.

LB: Pervis Estupinan

Even a month ago, Oleksandr Zinchenko would have walked into this side, but not any more.

The Ukrainian has shown signs of having been figured out by opponents, who target the space behind him. While he offers plenty in attack for the Gunners, he is defensively weak and Mikel Arteta has been forced to substitute him in seven of his last eight appearances.

His replacement, Kieran Tierney, cannot buy a start for love nor money, so with that in mind we’ve gone for the more all-rounded Pervis Estupinan. Replacing Marc Cucurella this summer, he has proved a savvy upgrade and has managed five assists in his debut campaign.

CM: Moises Caicedo

The fact that Arsenal tried three times to add him to their own midfield in January is enough to include Moises Caicedo in any combined XI of the two sides. The Ecuadorian has a long list of suitors ahead of the summer, but has proved a revelation in the wake of Yves Bissouma’s departure summer.

The 21-year-old has grabbed a goal and an assist this campaign, but it is in and around his own penalty area that he really shines.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

Another player in hot demand this summer, Mac Allister has caught the eye of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, and it is clear to see why.

The World Cup winner has formed an excellent partnership with Caicedo in the Brighton engine room, managing 10 goals this season in an impressive Premier League campaign.

CM: Martin Odegaard

Second only to Kevin De Bruyne in terms of midfield men in the Premier League this season, Martin Odegaard is having a record season. The Norweigan notched his 15th non-penalty goal of the campaign against Newcastle, more than any other midfielder in the competition’s history, and has spearheaded the Gunners towards what now looks to be an unlikely Premier League title.

RW: Bukayo Saka

Sorry Solly March, this one isn’t close.

Saka has starred this season, lighting up the Premier League along with his Arsenal teammates and forcing himself to be one of the first names on both Mikel Arteta and Gareth Southgate’s teamsheets.

With 13 goals and 11 assists, he was the first Arsenal player of the season to reach double figures in both, and is a menace to opposition defenders on a weekly basis.

ST: Gabriel Jesus

Brighton’s striker troubles are well documented, and though Evan Ferguson looks to be an excellent talent, it is Gabriel Jesus that we have picked to lead the line in this side.

The Brazilian striker has revitalised a previously stagnant attack, helping get the best out of the players around him as well as netting 10 times in 23 Premier League appearances either side of a three month injury.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli

Perhaps the closest decision in the entire team, Kaoru Mitoma has been a revelation for the Seagulls this season, and is widely regarded as one of the best dribblers in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, he finds himself up against one of the best young talents in world football in Martinelli. Fresh from a new contract with the Gunners, the Brazilian winger has hit 15 goals and grabbed a further 5 assists this season, almost double what Mitoma has managed to contribute for the Seagulls.

Full Team

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Ben Browning

Football writer and analyst. Long-time writer of all things Arsenal and avid watcher of European football. Happy to discuss all things football over on Twitter.

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