Arsenal vs Brighton Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Arsenal:
Leno; Chambers, Mustafi, David Luiz, Tierney; Xhaka, Guendouzi; Saka, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette
Brighton:
Ryan; Montoya, Dunk, Webster, Burn; Bissouma, Stephens, Propper; Connolly, Maupay, Trossard
Arsenal sit on the 8th place with 19 points, seven adrift of a top-four Champions League qualifying spot. So far they have four victories, seven draws and three defeats. The fans were disappointed after the club worst run of results in 27 years. A number of prominent Arsenal supporters asked the owner Stan Kroenke to take an "urgent action". Kroenke reacted quickly and sacked the manager Unai Emery. Ex-Gunners player Freddie Ljungberg was appointed as an interim coach. He played for Arsenal between 1998 and 2007, but has no previous managerial experience. However, Arsenal failed to win on his debut, playing a 2:2 draw with Norwich City. It is clear the defense should be improved - Arsenal have conceded 21 goals in 14 Premier League matches, one more than 16th Brighton. The actual form could not be rated as good. The Gunners have no win on the last six matches in the Premier League. They lost to Sheffield United and Leicester, while shared the points with Crystal Palace, Wolves, Southampton and Norwich. The fact they collected just four of the possible 18 points surely frustrated the fans. Worst of all, the atmosphere in the squad is bad following the Xhaka incident. The Switzerland international clashed with his own fans after his substitution was greeted by sarcastic cheers in the match against Palace at the Emirates Stadium on 27 October. Xhaka played against Norwich, but that was away from home. It will be interesting to see if Xhaka will finally appear at the Emirats, as well as the fans' reaction. Three players are struggling with injury - Dani Ceballos, Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding.
Brighton are on the 16th place with 15 points and it is clear they are involved into the relegation battle. The Seagulls are in poor form, losing the last six matches in the league since beating Norwich a month ago. Last weekend they suffered a narrow 2:1 defeat at Liverpool. I watched the game and I must admit Brighton impressed me. Despite the loss, they had 55% possession at Anfield and 5 corners, compared to Liverpool's 4. They deserved a point according to me. Nevertheless, playing away from home look a problem. Brighton are without a win in their past six away Premier League games, losing the last four. Manager Graham Potter is feeling some pressure, as well as the players. But playing against top sides is not an easy task. The Seagulls have lost four matches against established 'big-six' sides, but managed to beat Tottenham on 5 October. This is the last match against the favorites and it won't be easy. Potter has no new injury concerns, but it is expected to make some changes. French striker Maupay, who was unexpectedly benched at Anfield, should return to the starting eleven, as well as midfielder Trossard. However, three players are struggling with injuries. Bernardo and Jose Izquierdo are definitely sidelined, while Solly March remains a doubt.
Arsenal vs Brighton Prediction:
I expect both teams to score here. Arsenal play at home and they will heavily attack from the very first minute. New manager Ljungberg will like to win on his first match at the Emirats. The Gunners have scored four goals on the last two matches in the Premier League, so I expect to find the back of the net again. Brighton, meanwhile, played very good at Anfield. Despite the narrow 2:1 loss, they impressed me. I am sure the players confidence is now higher. Knowing Arsenal haven't keep clean sheet since 6 October, I expect the Seagulls to score in this match.
Arsenal vs Brighton Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.60 with William Hill