Arsenal return to Emirates Stadium looking to build of the 2-2 draw away at Norwich on the weekend.
With seven games to play before New Years' Day, the north London side will need to take full advantage of the festive period. Currently seven points off the top four in eighth place, facing Brighton at home gives them a chance to kick-start a disappointing season.
Making his debut as interim head coach at Carrow Road, Freddie Ljungberg was encouraged with the Gunners' attacking display but admitted their defence is a problem he needs to fix.
"We started extremely well (against Norwich), playing very well offensively, we have a problem transition-wise so they got shots on target from an 80-yard sprint," he said ahead of Brighton's visit.
"That's something we will focus on."
To cope with transitions better, the Swede may look to add more pace to the defence. Calum Chambers has struggled in the past week which may leave the door open for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to return. Especially as Hector Bellerin is still a doubt.
December's congested nature may also give Ljungberg a chance to bring Rob Holding back into the side. The 24-year-old hasn't played since the 2-0 loss to Leicester and still needs a good run of games after his injury layoff.
Ahead of the back four, a two-man pivot would be best. Lucas Torreira was at his best as part of a pair last year and hasn't been the same since.
Giving him the responsibility of shutting down Brighton attacks as his partner looks to be more offensive. Granit Xhaka excelled next to the Uruguayan last season but hasn't hit similar heights this term.
Having returned to the side with ease, what happens on the pitch should determine if he plays. The Swiss wasn't been terrible against Frankfurt or Norwich but choosing between him or Matteo Guendouzi isn't a tough choice as it stands.
Arsenal fans are still waiting to see the 'fab four' line up together and that may still be the case on Thursday (December 5).
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil are certain to start but who joins them is still debatable. Given that the Gunners travel to West Ham on Monday (December 10) it may be best to rotate against Brighton.
With this in mind, Gabriel Martinelli could get the Premier League start his performances deserve as Nicolas Pepe starts off the right.
Arsenal predicted XI: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Holding, Mustafi, Tierney; Torreira, Guendouzi; Pepe, Ozil, Martinelli, Aubameyang
