After impressively dispatching Newcastle at ST. James’ Park, Arsenal are back in action on Sunday when they host unpredictable Brighton at the Emirates Stadium from 15:30 GMT.
The Gunners will be going for their third consecutive win in the league as they bid to maintain pressure on Man City at the top of the table and position themselves to take full advantage of any slip-ups by the Etihad side.
Brighton, who fell to a shock 1-5 home defeat to relegation-battling Everton, will look to return to the lofty standards they have set this season.
Key Highlights
Arsenal’s Hot Pursuit of Man City
Arsenal have to keep winning and hope for Man City to slip up. It is not in their hands. However, they have responded well to the heavy 4-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of Man City at the end of May.
They have won at home against Chelsea and more impressively took three points from St. James’ side after dispatching the home side 0-2.
Brighton, who have blown hot and cold in recent matches, is up next for Mikel Arteta’s charges.
Brighton’s Impressive Season
Roberto De Zerbi and his Brighton charges are flying high in 7th on the table, eight points behind fourth-placed Man United and having played a match less.
Brighton have won three matches out of their last five outings and lost the other two.
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In the run of five matches, Brighton won at Chelsea (1-2), beat Wolves (6-0), and defeated Man United (1-0). However, Roberto De Zerbi’s men have also lost at Nottingham Forest (3-1) and were convincingly beaten by Everton at home on Monday (1-5).
This run of form highlights Brighton’s inconsistency heading into their clash against Arenal on Sunday.
Injury Report
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta will be without defensive midfielder Mohamed Elneny; the 30-year-old is sidelined with a knee injury. He has been out since January 14, 2023, and has missed 21 matches for the Gunners.
Right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is also out of contention for the Brighton match. The 24-year-old is sidelined with a knee problem and has undergone surgery. He is expected to be back fully fit by June 30, 2023.
Arsenal will also be without the services of William Saliba. The 22-year-old center-back has been nursing a back injury since March 16, 2023.
Brighton
De Zerbi will be without the services of right-back Tariq Lamptey. The 22-year-old is nursing a knee injury that has kept him out of Brighton matchday squads for 17 matches. Lamptey is expected to be back fit by May 31, 2023.
Brighton will also be without attacking midfielder Jeremy Sarmiento; the 20-year-old is out of contention with a metatarsal fracture. He has missed nine matches for Brighton since March 25, 2023.
Sarmiento and Lamptey are unlikely to be available for the clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal
A. Ramasdale; O. Zinchenko, Gabriel, J. Kiwior, B. White; G. Xhaka, Jorginho, M. Odegaard; G. Martinelli, G. Jesus, B. Saka
Brighton
J.Steele; P. Grob, A. Webster, L. Dunk, P. Estupinan; M. Caicedo, A. Mac Allister; F. Buonanotte, D. Undav, K. Mitoma; D. Welbeck
Prediction
Playing at the Emirates, Arsenal will be expected to perform well and get the three points they need to keep in touch with Man City, with just two matches remaining in the season after this weekend.
Roberto De Zerbi will focus on getting his side playing at their best level when they face the title-chasing Gunners. They will look to play aggressively, press high, and ensure that Arsenal do not have much time on the ball.
Arsenal will win the match and maintain pressure on Man City into the season’s final two matches.
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