Arsenal vs Brighton: Preview, Team News, Probable Lineups and Prediction
Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend with the Gunners looking to improve their current seventh placed standing in the table.
Arsene Wenger's side have already lost twice this season and cannot afford to drop points against the Seagulls who are in the bottom half of the table in 12th place.
Arsenal vs Brighton: Kickoff information
Date: 1 October
Kickoff: 12:00 (local time), 16:30 (IST)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Arsenal vs Brighton: Team News
Arsenal: Wenger rested a number of players for the trip to BATE Borisov in the Europa League and they should be available for the clash on Sunday. However, Mesut Ozil is still not in contention with Wenger confirming that the German playmaker would miss the game.
“Mesut Ozil will not be available for Sunday," Wenger said at his pre-match press conference. “Very short-term. He is not far, but he is not enough for Sunday.”
Santi Cazorla remains sidelined with a long-term injury while Danny Welbeck, Francis Coquelin, Alex Iwobi and Calum Chambers will also miss out on the Seagulls' visit. Laurent Koscielny, who has an Achilles problem, also faces a late fitness test.
Brighton: Chris Hughton also has a few injuries to contend with. Beram Kayal Sam Baldock and Steve Sidwell are all out injured while Glenn Murray remains doubtful. But his biggest loss will be the club's leading goalscorer so far.
Striker Tomer Hemed is has been banned for three games as he serves a three-match ban. Hemed was found guilty of violent conduct when he stamped Newcastle defender DeAndre Yedlin on his leg.
Arsenal vs Brighton: Probable Lineups
Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Cech; Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Bellerin, Xhaka, Elneny, Kolasinac; Ramsey, Alexis; Lacazette
Brighton: (4-4-1-1): Ryan; Bruno, Dunk, Duffy, Suttner; Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, March; Gross; Brown
Arsenal vs Brighton: Form Guide
Last 5 matches (in all competitions)
Arsenal: W-D-W-W-W
Brighton: D-W-L-L-W
Arsenal vs Brighton: Head-to-Head
Arsenal wins: 11
Brighton wins: 2
Draws: 2
Arsenal vs Brighton: Key Players
Arsenal: The Gunners will be hoping to see Alexandre Lacazette continue his goalscoring run at home. The French striker leads the charts with four goals - all coming at the Emirates.
He is yet to go 90 minutes without scoring on home turf, averaging a goal every 62 minutes.
Brighton: Hemed may be suspended but Arsenal should be wary of Pascal Gross who plays as a no.10 behind the striker. He, too, has scored two goals in the league this season but he is also a threat on set-pieces.
He has also created 12 chances so far (the highest at the club) - just three fewer than Ozil, although the German has played far fewer minutes.
Arsenal vs Brighton: Prediction
Arsenal haven't lost to a newly promoted side in their last 31 Premier League games. They've won 26 and drawn five. With the Gunners playing at home, expect them to win and grab all three points. But don't rule out a goal from Brighton.
Predicted score: Arsenal 3-1 Brighton