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.
The Gunners' disappointing finish from last season added to the anxiety as they prepared to play Newcastle United at St. James' Park. Following a rough start, Arsenal, who will play Brighton & Hove Albion next, regained their footing and defeated the Magpies pretty easily to maintain their lead over Manchester City at the top of the league.
They kept the pressure on Pep Guardiola's team thanks to the victory. Yet, given everything, their chances remain up in the air, as Manchester City lost five points in their previous four games. In football, nothing can be taken for granted. Mikel Arteta will thus want to continue winning the remaining matches.
A 15th Premier League goal of the season for the skipper ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2js6tdleG0
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 8, 2023
This victory over Newcastle followed last week's outstanding victory over Chelsea. Arteta will try to keep the atmosphere upbeat in the Arsenal camp and hope that Manchester City, who play Everton before the Gunners play Brighton, drops points.
Europe-chasing Everton humiliated Brighton at the Amex on Monday, dealing them a devastating blow. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil both scored twice, while Jason Steele also scored an own goal in a decisive victory for the Toffees.
Roberto De Zerbi made a suggestion that his team was exhausted following their dramatic triumph against Manchester United the previous midweek. In order to compete for a European finish, the manager also pledged that his team will demonstrate their talent against Arsenal.
The fact that Brighton has played 34 games, the fewest of any team in that race, gives them an edge. They can reach 70 if they win every game, which may be sufficient for either the Europa League or the European Conference League. But first, a lengthy excursion to Arsenal is scheduled.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
It has been a different few days for Arsenal in terms of injury news. Oleksandr Zinchenko's injury was first reported by renowned writer David Ornstein, who also declared William Saliba and him out for the rest of the year.
Setting sights on the Seagulls
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 13, 2023
📍 London Colney pic.twitter.com/w957ETE0x4
Although Arteta didn't confirm the rumors during the pre-game press conference, he did hint that Saliba wouldn't play against Brighton. Zinchenko was also seen working out with Arsenal, which fueled rumors that the news of his ailment was false.
Even if the issue is minor, Arteta is unlikely to start his crucial left back despite it. Kieran Tierney appears to be in a good position to enter the starting lineup and contribute to slight alterations to the club roster.
Jorginho may be replaced by Thomas Partey, which would be more of a tactical substitution than anything else. The Italian was outstanding against Chelsea and Newcastle, but the Ghanaian is more suited to Brighton's kind of football. Leandro Trossard might sit on the bench while the rest of the team stays the same.
Probable lineup (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Ben White, Kiwior, Gabriel Magalhaes, Tierney; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Two important players were lost by Brighton in their lopsided loss to Everton last Monday. Due to their ailments, Adam Webster and Solly March will not travel with Arsenal. De Zerbi will lose great depth off the bench even if he has choices to make up for their losses.
One day ‘til matchday! 💪 pic.twitter.com/Vm6ZCXZRRa
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 13, 2023
Webster could be replaced by Levi Colwill, while Lewis Dunk is expected to go to the right side of the central defense. De Zerbi has recently employed Moises Caicedo, who is wanted by Arsenal, as a right-back. While Pascal Gross may take on the defensive responsibilities, the Ecuadorian might go back to central midfield.
Injuries will also keep Jakub Moder, Adam Lallana, Tariq Lamptey, and Jeremy Sarmiento from participating. Alexis Mac Allister will be counted on by De Zerbi to provide the spark in midfield.
Facundo Buonanotte, Kaoru Mitoma, and Julio Enciso will assume the attacking roles up front. De Zerbi is most likely going to start Evan Ferguson up front as Danny Welbeck sits on the bench for this match.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Steele; Gross, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinian; Caicedo, Mac Allister; Buonanotte, Enciso, Mitoma; Ferguson.
Key Stats
In ten of their previous 11 Premier League games, Arsenal has netted two goals or more.
In 12 of their last 13 Premier League games, Arsenal is unbeaten.
In their previous 11 away Premier League games, Brighton has scored.
In their last four matches in all competitions at the Emirates, Brighton has triumphed three times.
Only two clean sheets have been maintained by Brighton away from home all year.
Player to Watch
Gabriel Martinelli
Keep believing Gooners ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eZqZpcgIhc
— Gabriel Martinelli (@gabimartinelli) May 7, 2023
When Leandro Trossard began against Chelsea, Arteta just wanted Martinelli to rest, as seen by his selection against Newcastle. While the Belgian forward has performed admirably for the Gunners, the Brazilian has improved significantly this season.
He will be confident going into the match against Brighton after helping to force an own goal against Newcastle United, who he was devastating against in the last meeting. Martinelli will look to build on his performance against the Seagulls and recapture the top spot in Arsenal's scoring rankings.
Prediction
Arsenal 3-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
There will undoubtedly be a lot of goals, given the caliber of these two sides. Regardless of the size of their opponent, Brighton typically takes a lot of shots and even scores a lot of goals because of Roberto De Zerbi's distinctive style. Yet, even for the Seagulls, Arsenal is a different breed when compared to other clubs.
The team led by Mikel Arteta will enter this match with a lot of confidence after defeating Newcastle away from home. Despite their weak performance at the Emirates, Arsenal will probably hold off Brighton's danger and win by a slim margin.
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