Arsenal vs Brighton preview, predictions & confirmed line-ups as Guendouzi drops to the bench
Freddie Ljungberg makes his Emirates Stadium debut as interim Arsenal manager on Thursday evening with Brighton & Hove Albion in the role of visitors.
The Gunners will be determined to end a six-match winless streak which has seen them move further away from the Champions League places.
As for Brighton, they’ve been poor on the road this season but can be encouraged by performances of recent sides to leave north London with a result.
Read on for our Arsenal v Brighton preview, predictions, team news and TV coverage information.
When is Arsenal v Brighton and what TV channel is it on?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Date: Thursday, 5 December 2019
Kick-off: 8:15 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): Amazon Prime Video
Last five meetings: Arsenal v Brighton
05 May 2019: Arsenal 1-1 Brighton (Premier League)
26 Dec 2018: Brighton 1-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
04 Mar 2018: Brighton 2-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
01 Oct 2017: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton (Premier League)
25 Jan 2015: Brighton 2-3 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Aggregate Score: Arsenal (DDLWW) 8-5 Brighton (DDWLL)
Ones to watch
Arsenal: Bernd Leno
Arsenal really had their goalkeeper Bernd Leno to thank for not leaving Norwich with a defeat. He was once again in inspired form making save after save; the German international must find it frustrating he’s being overworked.
That said, Leno will once again play a pivotal role as the Gunners seek a first win since October.
Key stat: Leno has made the most saves (59) of any Premier League goalkeeper this season.
Brighton: Lewis Dunk
The Gunners will have no doubt done their home on Brighton, who’ll be a threat from set-pieces, which means all eyes on centre-back Lewis Dunk especially after he recently scored at Old Trafford and Anfield – aside from keeping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang company we expect him to test Leno.
Key stat: Dunk has scored two of Brighton’s last three Premier League away goals across six matches.
Team news
Arsenal
🚨 Three changes from Sunday 🚨
🔙 Bellerin and Sokratis return
🇺🇾 Torreira comes in
🤝 Laca partners Auba#ARSBHA— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 5, 2019
Confirmed XI: Leno; Bellerin, Sokratis, Luiz, Kolasinac; Xhaka, Torreira, Willock, Ozil; Lacazette, Aubameyang.
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Brighton
Bernardo, Solomon March and Jose Izquierdo all miss the trip to the Emirates Stadium with respective injuries.
🔢 Here’s how Albion take to the field against @Arsenal tonight.
📲 Matchday Live is presented by @SnickersUKCom.#BHAFC ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/1es1fHx3RZ
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) December 5, 2019
Confirmed XI: Ryan; Alzate, Webster, Dunk, Burn; Stephens, Pröpper, Mooy; Groß, Connolly, Maupay.
Squawka prediction
Freddie Ljungberg will be desperate to win his first match at home in charge of Arsenal, and he perhaps couldn’t have asked for more favourable opposition. Brighton make the trip to north London on the back of four consecutive away defeats. This is not to say the Seagulls will make it easy for the Gunners, but we expect them to narrowly come out on top.
Scoreline prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
