- Date: Sunday December 19 – 14.00 GMT
- Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England
- Teams: Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion
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Arsenal look to return to winning ways against Europe chasing Seagulls
Arsenal, who are aiming to make a serious tilt at the title, host Brighton and Hove Albion. The Seagulls are an exciting side who are battling to maintain their Premier League form alongside a European campaign.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta rested a number of players in midweek for their final Champions League group match against PSV. The Gunners have made pleasing progress in the first half of the season. Some observers feel that their style is less open than last season, however, they have suffered injuries in attacking positions. Declan Rice has added steel among other qualities to their midfield and Mikel Arteta’s side have looked solid defensively.
Unfortunately the draw with PSV saw Arsenal lose Mohamed Elneny to a hamstring problem. Emile Smith Rowe is expected to be fit. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were not risked in midweek due to a foot problem and illness respectively. Both hope to be involved. Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Thomas Partey (thigh), Fabio Vieira (groin) and Jurrien Timber (knee) remain on the sidelines.
Danny Welbeck will miss out on a reunion with his former employers, though, while Ansu Fati (thigh), Pervis Estupinan (thigh), Tariq Lamptey (thigh), Julio Enciso (knee) and Solly March (knee) remain in the treatment room too.
Adam Webster (knock) should be the first stricken player to exit the medical bay, but there are no guarantees that the defender will be fit to face Arsenal, where the fresh legs of Joel Veltman, Adam Lallana and Evan Ferguson ought to be utilised.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have been a little stretched due to the demands of Europa League football, however, they are very much in the race for European places. Arsenal represent a stern test, however, Brighton have travelled to several difficult venues and come away with something plenty of times over the past couple of seasons.
Brighton’s win over Marsielle saw them progress to the knockout stages of the Europa league in the club’s first season in European competition. Joao Pedro may need a fitness test ahead of Sunday. Former Gunner Danny Welbeck will miss out along with Ansu Fati (thigh), Pervis Estupinan (thigh), Tariq Lamptey (thigh), Julio Enciso (knee) and Solly March (knee).
Adam Webster (knock) could be fit enough to be involved. Joel Veltman, Adam Lallana and Evan Ferguson could come into the side to freshen things up.
Prediction
Brighton are a very good side, however, Arsenal will be rested and ready for the challenge. The Gunners will be determined to come away with three points to keep their title challenge on track and I think that they will manage this. Home win.
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