Match Preview

After a night to forget in Manchester, Arteta will need to pick his players up and get them ready for a tough match at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Results for both sides really need to pick up, otherwise the visitors will struggle to get any sort of European Football and the hosts may not avoid the drop.

The consequences for losing this match means the competitive edge will certainly be there, with both sides feeling they can get the better of each other. The away side will be confident they can control possession and break down a compact Brighton defence, however they will have to be aware of the quick counter attacks Graham Potter’s side can execute, which was demonstrated in their last meeting. Let’s look at the injury news for both teams:

Arteta has got a slight problem in the centre back area after Wednesday night as new signing Pablo Mari has sustained a serious ankle ligament/tendon injury which may require surgery and will rule him out for the rest of the season. This may be the last time we see him in an Arsenal shirt as the Gunners are yet to decide whether they want to sign the Brazilian permanently. Granit Xhaka also picked up an ankle injury thought to be not as serious as Mari’s and therefore should return before the end of the campaign. Sokratis and Torreira are doubts for this weekend, however both of them are nearing full fitness and will be available after the weekend if they do not make it. Brighton have basically a fully fit squad with only two minor doubts, Steven Alzate and Aaron Connolly may miss out for Potters men.

Predicted Lineup

Formation – 4-2-3-1

GK – Bernd Leno

RB – Hector Bellerin

CB – Rob Holding

CB – Shkodran Mustafi

LB – Kieran Tierney

CM – Dani Cellabos

CM – Matteo Guendouzi

RM- Nicolas Pepe

CAM- Joe Willock

LM – Aubameyang

ST – Eddie Nketiah

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James Humphreys