'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAUACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABfAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgcQAAEDBAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQABQYhFCISE1EBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQRAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgNBESIy/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDGM3wTG8Uw2DOtxXBZsl+3tET7jDjI8he5I36ULy+dtVGAcQwEuOm0RdlulKLIdQbT4unCsBf/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal fans are delighted with the news that Oleksandr Zinchenko would start in the side's Premier League game with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (December 31).
The Gunners are flourishing atop the standings with 13 wins, one draw and a defeat in 15 games. They had no problem dispatching West Ham United in their first fixture following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, securing a comfortable 3-1 comeback victory.
Mikel Arteta's side now face Brighton, who are seventh and have been tricky customers for most of the top six this season. Zinchenko was on the bench for the Gunners' win over West Ham but comes into the starting lineup against the Seagulls.
The Ukrainian defender joined Arsenal from Manchester City this summer for £32 million. He has impressed for Arteta's side, making ten appearances across competitions and helping the side keep four clean sheets.
Zinchenko also has experience of winning the Premier League title four times with City, showing his leadership qualities in galvanising teammates. He starts in defence after returning to full fitness.
Aaron Ramsdale is in goal, with Zinchenko joined in defence by Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Martin Odegaard skippers the side in midfield, with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in the centre of the park. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli join Eddie Nketiah in attack.
Arsenal fans are excited by Zinchenko's inclusion.
Here are some reactions from fans on Twitter:
Arsene Wenger compares Arsenal's Odegaard with Cesc Fabregas in glowing assessment
Arsenal icon Wenger has compared Odegaard to midfield great Fabregas when praising the Norweigan.
Odegaard has been one of the Gunners' most important players since joining the club from Real Madrid in 2021 on a permanent deal following a one-year loan. He has made 20 appearances across competitions this term, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
The Norweigan was named Arsenal captain after the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January. Wenger has showered praise on Odegaard, revealing how he once tried signing the midfielder during his time in charge of the Gunners.
Wenger told Norweigan outlet TV2:
"That was hard (when I didn't sign him). When he was 15, I talked to him. I actually spoke to Martin about it after the game now on Boxing Day."
Odegaard starred in the north Londoners' 3-1 win over West Ham on Boxing Day, providing two assists. Wenger continued by comparing him with former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas:
"I was desperate to sign him. Fortunately, he is here now. He really is like a young Cesc Fabregas. I think he has developed into a complete player."
Fabregas was a huge hit with the Gunners, scoring 57 goals and contributing 95 assists in 303 games. He became captain of the north London giants and went down as one of the greatest Premier League midfielders of his generation.
