Arsenal are set to face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium today in a crucial Premier League clash. The Gunners, who currently lead the Premier League, aim to consolidate their top spot as they face a Brighton side struggling for form.
Mikel Arteta's side edged past Everton in their last Premier League match, securing a 1-0 victory courtesy of a first-half penalty from Viktor Gyokeres. However, Brighton head to north London on the back of a lackluster goalless draw with Sunderland and are winless in their last four games.
In team news, Arsenal will be without Jurrien Timber, who suffered an ankle knock in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace, though he was initially expected to be fit. However, there's a boost for the Gunners as Gabriel returns to the bench. Nevertheless, Arsenal still have key defensive players out, including Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White. Kai Havertz is back in training after a knee injury but is unlikely to feature against Brighton.
Piero Hincapie returns to the starting lineup after missing the Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace. David Raya will also replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard are also back in the starting lineup.
Brighton will have Lewis Dunk and Diego Gómez back from suspension. However, they will be without Carlos Baleba, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as Adam Webster, Solly March, and Stefanos Tzimas, who are sidelined with injuries.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori, Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.
The match kicks off at 3pm GMT. In the UK, the game will not be televised live due to the 3pm Saturday blackout. Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel from 5:15pm, with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10:25pm.
In the United States, the game will air on the USA Network and stream on the NBC Sports App and nbcsports.com.
Arsenal have been strong at home, winning their last five Premier League home matches. The Gunners have also already tasted victory against Brighton this term, securing a 2-0 win in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October. Overall, Arsenal have won 18 of the 33 encounters between the two sides, while Brighton have won eight.
