Brighton vs Arsenal Preview
Lots told about the inability of Wenger’s men to run roughshod over the top notch clubs of the Premier League. However, the victory at Etihad just proved time and again that Arsenal are is no cream puff. A 0-2 victory over Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City just re-established that Arsenal is not far behind from the Premier League stalwart by any means. Although, Arsene Wenger and his men have not really been apprised of an out of the world start to kickoff at the onset of the New Year, nor have they been consistent on the whole. It has been a more of a fair to middling a season for Arsenal as of now. Nonetheless, the Etihad would have instilled a much needed boost among the Gunners. Shots from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud not only saved the day for the Gunners but also kept their ball rolling towards a slot in the top-four. That would surely keep Arsenal on the front foot at their visit to the American Express Community Stadium this weekend.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion have had hard-won season so far now. Nevertheless, with three victories in the last four games the Seagulls seem to be making it good off late now. All that said, Wenger would surely urge his men to be on the lookout over Chris Hughton’s attacking line up in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend. Undoubtedly, the boss would be confronted with the greater challenge of turning up in the same spirits and uphold that his can be consistent in their attitude with every passing game.
Brighton vs Arsenal Preview – Team News
Starting from the bars, David Ospina has been the tabbed one in quite a few games. The Colombian has been so far good and assured between the posts. That being mentioned, it is quite likely for the youngman to feature at the goals. Nevertheless, the boss might just be keen on handing over the responsibility of the bars to Wojciech Szczesny on Sunday, thus, allowing the Polish a fair shake for redemption.
Coming to the defence line up, Hector Bellerin remains the top drawer at the right. The Spaniard has been effortless in the past few fixtures and shall set apart to continue his brilliant form in the red jersey. Per Mertesacker might be given a time off on Sunday. Meanwhile, Calum Chambers is likely to collaborate with Laurent Koscielny at the center back. Nacho Monreal, too, might be given the day off and with Kieran Gibbs on the cards, Wenger might be seemingly interested in betting his dollar on the Spaniard as a more able replacement.
Talking about the midfield, Mathieu Flamini is expected to take charge of the base of the midfield. The Frenchman would be awaiting an opportunity in the playing eleven after the last weekend cameo at the Etihad, strong enough to leave an impact. On the other hand, French midfielder Francis Coquelin continues to impress over the weeks after being recalled from Charlton Athletic. If everything remains wholesome, Coquelin might be bagged in with a long term agreement. Coming to the Brighton match, Wenger would surely not spare the opportunity to deploy this young man in the midfield. Santi Cazorla has been another top notch performer for the Gunners. He has been in prime form of late and scored on multiple occasions since the outset of December. Nonetheless, it’s high time that Arsenal’s Player Of The Month gets some rest. That being told, in all likelihood Mesut Ozil is set to make his way back to the squad. It is a fighting chance for the German to show what he can do best, if he is to book a Premier League slot when the Gunners visit Aston Villa after a few weeks. Until then, Arsenal fans surely have a chance to rejoice as the best number ten in the world heads it back to the park.
Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continues to visit treatment rooms owing to an inflammation of his groin problems. Wenger would be in all frowns considering the fact that the Ox is to remain out of action at the American Express Community Stadium. Nonetheless, with Joel Campbell at his disposal the boss would breathe a sigh a relief. Alexis Sanchez, too has been playing without a break and it needs no special mention that the Chilean gets a breathing spell. Theo Walcott alongwith Olivier Giroud and Campbell is likely to set up the attacking trio against the Seagulls.
Super Sunday does have a lot of action in store as Brighton & Hove Albion host the Gunners in the fourth stage of the F.A Cup. In the meantime, let us have a sneak peek into the projected Arsenal line up against the Seagulls:
- Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
- Defence: Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs
- Midfield: Mathieu Flamini, Francis Coquelin, Mesut Ozil
- Forward: Joel Campbell, Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud
League Standing: 5
League Points: 39
League Form: WWWLW
Possible Formation: 4-3-3
Brighton vs Arsenal – Prediction
Brighton 0 Arsenal 3 – Easy win for the in-form Gunners.