Arsenal's return to Premier League action did not go as planned as a decent first 20 minutes was ruined by a mistake late in the first half and then a red card in the second from David Luiz which saw the Gunners lose 3-0 to Manchester City.

However there is no time to think about what could have been as they face Brighton at the AMEX next, in what is a must win for both sides. Arsenal need to start picking up victories if they want to make the top six by the end of the season, whilst Brighton have not won a fixture since the 28th December, and this has caused them to drop firmly into the relegation battle, via BBC Sport.

Here is the Transfer Tavern predicted Arsenal starting XI, which sees Mikel Arteta make three changes for the fixture.

Arteta will be forced into changing his back four, as Pablo Mari is reportedly out for the rest of the season after limping off in the first half at the Etihad. With Sokratis injured and Luiz suspended, it looks like Rob Holding will be brought in to pair up with Shkodran Mustafi. Tierney and Bellerin both looked to have a decent game up until the red card, and should keep their places for the fixture.

Again Arsenal will be forced into a change at centre-midfield, as Granit Xhaka pulled up in the first half like Mari and is not available. Guendouzi looked sharp and earned praise from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville and he will probably be partnered by Dani Ceballos who replaced Xhaka in Manchester.

Mesut Ozil was not even on the bench for the match against City, however in a game in which Arsenal will need to win, they need a creative spark in midfield and the German's 2.1 key passes per game is the best in the whole squad, so he could be the one who links up the midfield to attack and helps find the eye for goal.

Nketiah earned the best rating out of the whole Arsenal squad (6.8) and deserves to keep his spot in the side over Alexandre Lacazette, who can be a great super sub if needed.

Gunners fans, would this be a good starting eleven? Comment below!