Arsenal and Brighton both finished top of their respective European groups in midweek, and now have sights back on the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s clash.
A slow start cost Arsenal last weekend against Aston Villa, as a positive performance was put to waste by early complacency, whereas Brighton were held by relegation-threatened Burnley.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Arsenal vs Brighton – Match Preview
Form
Arsenal: WWWWLW
The Gunners lost their place at the top of the Premier League after the loss to Villa and will be determined to reclaim it this weekend.
???????? The winning goal for Aston Villa vs Arsenal! Leon Bailey x John McGinn… pic.twitter.com/5rdX0nrEdE
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 9, 2023
Martin Odegaard spurned multiple chances during the match at Villa Park, whilst a late equaliser was ruled out for a handball from Kai Havertz.
Mikel Arteta was forced to watch the match from the stands, due to accumulating three yellow cards, but will be back in the dugout this weekend.
More good news followed for Arteta, as he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the FA, following his comments after the Gunners’ 1-0 loss to Newcastle.
Havertz has been a focal point for Arsenal in recent weeks, winning the club’s November Player of the Month award after scoring goals against Brentford, Lens and Luton, and will be looking to add to his tally on Sunday.
The Gunners will be without Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber, through injury.
Brighton: WWLWDW
Brighton’s form last season may be allowing them to sneak under the radar this campaign, with the Seagulls through to the Europa League round of 16, and sitting only seven points off of the Champions League places.
Despite that, home form has been a struggle for Robert De Zerbi’s side, with their triumph over Brentford at the weekend their first at the AMEX since September.
18-year-old Jack Hinshelwood scored his first senior goal in the victory over Brentford and could aim to follow in the footsteps of Evan Ferguson, who announced himself to the division with a strike against Arsenal last year.
What a moment for Jack Hinshelwood ✨
The 18-year-old scores his first Premier League goal for @OfficialBHAFC! #BHABRE pic.twitter.com/ggvqmaeOC7
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 6, 2023
New boy Joao Pedro has been a huge hit in East Sussex, scoring eleven goals in all competitions this season, whilst players such as Ferguson and Kaoru Mitoma will also be a threat.
Ansu Fati, Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey, Julio Enciso, Danny Welbeck and Solly March will miss the fixture through injury.
Last Meeting
Arsenal 0-3 Brighton, May 14th 2023
The game which signalled the end of Arsenal’s hopes of a fourth Premier League title, three second-half goals gave Brighton the win and all but confirmed their Europa League status.
BREAKTHROUGH FOR BRIGHTON
Enciso heads it in for the visitors ???? pic.twitter.com/bmrOJCJh2A
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2023
A frustrating day for the Gunners saw Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka come close to scoring, but it was De Zerbi’s side that took their chances.
Goals from Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan gave Brighton the win. The result meant Manchester City retained their five-point lead at the top of the table, with a game in hand, with Arteta apologising to the Emirates crowd after the match.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus, Saka.
Brighton:Verbruggen; Milner, Dunk, Hecke, Grob; Baleba, Dahoud; Pedro, Lallana, Adingra; Ferguson
Who is the referee?
Tim Robinson.
Is Arsenal vs Brighton televised?
UK and Ireland: Sky Sports
USA: USA Network.
What time is kick-off?
Sunday 17th December, 14:00 GMT.
Odds
Arsenal – 4/9
Draw – 4/1
Brighton – 5/1
Read More: Five loan moves that have failed to work out this season
See Also: Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend
