Team News: Albert Sambi Lokonga starts for Arsenal, Nuno Tavares benched

Albert Sambi Lokonga has been named in the starting lineup for Arsenal's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates, but Nuno Tavares only makes the bench.

Tavares endured a nightmare evening at left-back against Crystal Palace in Monday's 3-0 loss, and Mikel Arteta has now opted to use Granit Xhaka in that area of the field.

As a result, Martin Odegaard has dropped deeper to partner Lokonga in the Gunners' midfield, with Thomas Partey facing a number of weeks on the sidelines with his latest thigh injury.

Cedric Soares holds his spot at right-back with Takehiro Tomiyasu still sidelined by a calf problem, as youngsters Zak Swanson and Mazeed Ogungbo make the bench again.

Gabriel Martinelli also makes an expected return to the starting lineup, joining Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in the final third, with Nicolas Pepe back from illness to take his place among the substitutes.

Alexandre Lacazette is still searching for his first open goal in the Premier League since December, but the Frenchman continues to lead the line for Arteta's side.

Arsenal starting lineup: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Xhaka; Lokonga, Odegaard; Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette

Substitutes: Leno, Holding, Pepe, Tavares, Elneny, Nketiah, Ogungbo, Swanson, Hutchinson