While Arsenal are on a winning run of three Premier League matches, Brighton are struggling for form amid something of an injury crisis. Saturday’s match has plenty riding on it for both teams.
By Graham Ruthven
Contrasting fortunes
It wasn’t so long ago that Brighton were flying high near the top of the Premier League table. Indeed, the Seagulls lost just one of their opening nine fixtures as Fabian Hürzeler made a strong start as the club’s new manager.
Now, though, Brighton are on a winless run of seven matches, although Monday’s 2-2 away draw against Aston Villa could give the south coast side a platform to build on as they enter 2025.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have breathed new life into their title challenge with successive wins over Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Brentford.
The away victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day was particularly impressive given the recent injury suffered by Bukayo Saka. Missing their most productive winger, the Gunners were able to produce a 3-1 win after falling behind.
Key players
With Saka sidelined through injury for the foreseeable future, Gabriel Jesus is expected to once again start in Arsenal’s forward line at the Amex Stadium. The Brazilian’s return to scoring form has come at a good time for the Gunners.
Ethan Nwaneri also caught the eye against Brentford and it’s possible the teenager could keep his place in the lineup, giving Arsenal dynamism on the right side of the attack. Gabriel Martinelli will likely start on the left.
Declan Rice could return to the lineup after starting on the bench against Brentford while Myles Lewis-Skelly may come in at left back having forced his way into the first team in recent weeks.
Predicting the Brighton lineup is trickier given the number of injuries being suffered by the Seagulls, but Hürzeler will probably build his attack around João Pedro who registered a brace of assists in the recent draw against Villa.
Simon Adingra and Georginio Rutter will also give Brighton threat in the final third with Carlos Baleba crucial to Brighton’s chances of stopping Arsenal finding rhythm in the centre of the pitch.
At the back, Bart Verbruggen will have to be in top form to keep out the Arsenal attack with Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke expected to start in front of the Dutch goalkeeper.
Team news
Brighton have a long lost of injury absences and concerns for Saturday’s match with no fewer than six first team players expected to miss out.
Evan Ferguson, Danny Welbeck, Mats Wieffer, James Milner, Ferdi Kadıoğlu and Jack Hinshelwood will all be sidelined with wing back Pervis Estupiñán also a doubt. Brighton’s squad depth is being tested at the moment.
Kai Havertz could miss another match through illness while Jurrien Timber is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Brentford.
Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will also be sidelined through injury as Arsenal emerge from a hectic Christmas schedule.
Prediction
The Seagulls may have to wait another week to break that run without a win, with the Gunners most likely to extend their run on the South Coast: Brighton 1-2 Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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