Arsenal looking to bounce back against struggling Brighton

 

Arsenal will be aiming to get their Champions League hopes back on track when they host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

The Gunners were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace last Monday, which saw them slip out of the top four to North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference.

Meanwhile, for Brighton, their poor run of form continued, as they failed to find the back of the net for the sixth time in seven Premier League games.

A Neal Maupay missed penalty condemned them to a stalemate against bottom club Norwich City to leave them in 13th.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will fully expect his side to return to winning ways, with the Emirates Stadium becoming a fortress for them this season. His men have the third-best home record in the division, winning 10 of their last 14 matches.

However, Graham Potter will be hoping Brighton’s impressive record in London stays intact, with the Seagulls unbeaten in 10 of their last 13 league games against sides from the Capital.

For key players, England international Bukayo Saka will be one to watch.

Despite his uncharacteristic showing at Selhurst Park, the 20-year-old is having his best and most consistent season of his career so far, with his nine goals and five assists aiming to be added to this weekend.

Despite being the club’s leading scorer with eight, Neal Maupay will look to end his barren run in front of goal. He has two goals in his last four appearances against Arsenal.

Arsenal suffered a massive injury blow this week, with full-back Kieran Tierney expected to miss the remainder of the season after requiring surgery on his knee, and with Nuno Tavares being withdrawn early against Crystal Palace, Arteta has a huge choice to make on who starts at left-back.

Thomas Partey will be assessed on his thigh injury whilst Nicolas Pepe looks set to return after illness.

After a bright substitute appearance last week, Albert Sambi Lokonga will be pushing for a start.

Brighton also suffered on the injury front, with midfielder Alex Moder rupturing his ACL just five minutes after coming onto the pitch against the Canaries.

Central defender Adam Webster faces a race against time to be fit as he battles with a groin problem, but Moises Caicedo looks set to return from illness.

Predicted Lineups:

Arsenal: (4-2-3-1) Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Xhaka, Lokonga; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette

Brighton: (4-2-3-1) Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Cucurella; Lamptey, Bissouma, Gross, March; Mac Allister; Trossard, Maupay

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