Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could ruthlessly axe Gabriel Jesus from the starting XI when the Gunners meet Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year's Day.

After scoring five goals in two matches against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup and Premier League, Jesus struggled to make his mark in the 1-0 Premier League win over Ipswich Town on December 27.

On that occasion, Kai Havertz occupied a deeper midfield position once again to accommodate Jesus, but the German then showed his predatory instincts to get on the end of Leandro Trossard's cross for the winner.

With rotation also in mind, there is every chance that Jesus might make way as Havertz begins up top, unless the Brazilian is selected to fill in for the injured Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side.

Gabriel Martinelli appears to be Arteta's number one deputy for the time being, though, while Trossard will no doubt continue on the left flank if Martinelli is indeed forced to play on his unnatural side.

Jesus's possible demotion would open the door for Thomas Partey to come back in and anchor the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, who would revert to his successful left eight role.

However, Myles Lewis-Skelly does not deserve to be dropped after his mature display against Ipswich, so Riccardo Calafiori could be kept in reserve as Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes shield ex-Brentford man David Raya.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard

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