Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker:
Knowing the importance of making another title statement on Saturday evening, Arsenal will travel to the Amex when they meet Brighton.
Brighton
Starting with the hosts, while Brighton might have once again gained plenty of plaudits this season, Roberto De Zerbi’s men are desperately seeking some much-needed stability. Last seen earlier in the week eventually having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Brentford, the Seagulls face a real uphill battle in their bid to claim another famous European ticket in 2024. Crashing out of the Europa League last month following a 4-1 drumming at the hands of Italian heavyweights Roma, the former Sassuolo boss has also found increasing scrutiny over his long-term future at the Amex. Marking their return from March’s international break with a 2-1 loss away at Liverpool, Brighton have won just a trio of their previous 11 Premier League appearances a run that stems back to December 28th. Likewise, crashing out of the FA Cup back in February following a 1-0 defeat against Wolves, the Seagulls will face a stern examination this weekend.
Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Brighton will once again be without the likes of Solly March, Kaoru Mitoma, James Milner and former Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour. Likewise, missing out away at Brentford earlier in the week with an ankle knock, Evan Ferguson remains a real doubt on Saturday evening.
However, De Zerbi’s camp remain hopeful that Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati can make a full return at the Amex. Ex-Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck will spearhead Brighton’s charge against his former employers this weekend.
Arsenal
As for the visitors, putting in another dominant display earlier in the week as they secured a 2-0 victory at home against relegation scrappers Luton, Arsenal are in the midst of a real purple patch. Extending on their Champions League adventure last month and booking a quarter-final spot after edging past Portuguese giants Porto, Mikel Arteta’s side have their sights set on making real history this season. Marking their return from March’s international break with a 0-0 stalemate away at title rivals Manchester City, the Gunners have collected 28 points from their previous 10 Premier League appearances. With the mood around the Emirates at a red-hot high, Arsenal will also be excited by their most recent showdown against Brighton. Landing a 2-0 victory when they welcomed the Seagulls to north London on December 17th, Arteta’s men will be seeking a repeat performance here.
Team News
Although attacking talisman Bukayo Saka might have missed out against Luton earlier in the week, the England international is expected to make a full return here. While former Ajax defender Jurrien Timber might be inching towards a return from a long-term knee injury, the Dutch star will not feature on Saturday evening.
Settling for a spot on the bench in midweek, midfield talisman Declan Rice will certainly make a full return at the Amex. Brazil international Gabriel Martinelli could make a first Premier League start since March 4th.
Key Factors to Consider
