Arsenal will aim to keep pressure on Manchester City at the top end of the table as they host Europe-chasing Brighton at the Emirates.
There was considerable tension going into the game against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, with last season’s result echoing for the Gunners. After a dismal start to proceedings, Arsenal, who face Brighton & Hove Albion next, found their feet and beat the Magpies rather comfortably to keep up with Manchester City at the top end of the table.
That win allowed them to keep pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side. But considering everything, their chances are left to fate, and Manchester City dropped five points from their four games. One cannot take anything for granted in football. So Mikel Arteta will look to keep winning the remaining games.
A 15th Premier League goal of the season for the skipper ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2js6tdleG0
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 8, 2023
That win over Newcastle came after a superb win over Chelsea last week. Arteta will look to keep the mood bright within the Arsenal camp and pray for dropped points from Manchester City, who take on Everton before the Gunners face Brighton.
Europe-chasing Brighton suffered a hammer blow on Monday when Everton thumped them at the Amex. Two goals apiece from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil sandwiched Jason Steele’s own goal in what was a massive win for the Toffees.
Roberto De Zerbi hinted his players were hungover from their late victory over Manchester United in the midweek before. However, the manager also promised his side will show their quality against Arsenal, as the Italian is keen to push for a European finish.
In that race, Brighton have the advantage of the fewest games played so far, as their clash with Arsenal will be their 34th match. If they win all their games, they can go up to 70, which may prove enough for either Europa League or the Europa Conference League. But to start that, a big trip to Arsenal awaits.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Regarding injury news, it has been a contrasting few days from an Arsenal perspective. While notable journalist David Ornstein broke the news of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s injury, he also ruled him and William Saliba for the remainder of the season.
Setting sights on the Seagulls
📍 London Colney pic.twitter.com/w957ETE0x4
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 13, 2023
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta failed to confirm the news but did suggest Saliba would play no part against Brighton. Furthermore, Zinchenko was spotted in Arsenal training, thus fueling rumours the news of his injury was incorrect.
Arteta is unlikely to take a chance with his influential left back and not start him even if the problem is small. Kieran Tierney looks well-placed to take his place in the lineup and become part of minor changes to the team sheet.
Thomas Partey might come in for Jorginho, which will be seen as a tactical change than anything. The Italian was brilliant against Chelsea and Newcastle, but Brighton’s style of play suits the Ghanaian more. The rest of the team might remain the same, with Leandro Trossard on the bench.
Probable lineup (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Ben White, Kiwior, Gabriel Magalhaes, Tierney; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton lost two key stars during their heavy defeat to Everton last Monday. Adam Webster and Solly March suffered injuries, with the duo set to miss the Arsenal trip. While De Zerbi has options to cover for their losses, he will lose quality depth off the bench.
One day ‘til matchday! 💪 pic.twitter.com/Vm6ZCXZRRa
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 13, 2023
Levi Colwill could replace Webster, with Lewis Dunk likely to move to the right-hand side of the central defence. Meanwhile, De Zerbi has used Arsenal target Moises Caicedo as a right-back in recent games. The Ecuadorian could return to central midfield, as Pascal Gross might take the defensive role.
Besides that, Jakub Moder, Adam Lallana, Tariq Lamptey and Jeremy Sarmiento will miss out through injuries. De Zerbi will rely on Alexis Mac Allister to create the spark in midfield.
Julio Enciso, Kaoru Mitoma and Facundo Buonanotte will take up the attacking positions ahead. De Zerbi will likely go with Evan Ferguson as his leading striker for this game, with Danny Welbeck on the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Steele; Gross, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinian; Caicedo, Mac Allister; Buonanotte, Enciso, Mitoma; Ferguson
Key Stats
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in ten of their last 11 matches in the Premier League.
- Arsenal are undefeated in 12 of their last 13 matches in the Premier League.
- Brighton have scored in their last 11 away games in the Premier League.
- Brighton have won three of their last four games at the Emirates in all competitions.
- Brighton have kept only two clean sheets away from home all season.
Player to Watch
Gabriel Martinelli
Keep believing Gooners ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eZqZpcgIhc
— Gabriel Martinelli (@gabimartinelli) May 7, 2023
Martinelli’s selection against Newcastle proved that Arteta only wanted him to rest when Leandro Trossard started against Chelsea. While the Belgian attacker has been solid for the Gunners, the Brazilian has taken his game to the next level during the campaign.
His contribution in forcing an own goal against Newcastle United will have him in a confident mood ahead of facing Brighton, against who he was lethal in the reverse fixture. Martinelli will hope to resume where he left off against the Seagulls while also aiming to retake the lead in Arsenal’s goalscoring charts.
Prediction
Arsenal 3-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
The quality of these two teams certainly promises plenty of goals. Brighton, with their unique style under Roberto De Zerbi, tend to take plenty of shots and even score plenty, irrespective of the stature of their opponent. However, compared to other teams, Arsenal are a different gravy even for the Seagulls.
Mikel Arteta’s side will come into this game full of confidence, overcoming the tough task of Newcastle away from home. While they have looked shaky at the Emirates, Arsenal will likely overcome the threat of Brighton and secure a narrow victory.
