Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Arsenal to the Amex Stadium in what would be an interesting fixture as the title race approaches its climax.
Brighton were left frustrated after failing to convert their chances against Brentford, settling for a goalless draw. The Seagulls even set a new club record for most shots without scoring in a Premier League away game.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal comfortably got past Rob Edwards’s Luton Town side with a lineup featuring five changes from their Manchester City fixture. Captain Martin Odegaard stepped up to score the first goal while Luton defender Hashioka turned Emile Smith Rowe’s cutback into his own net. Arteta made the most of his squad and massively benefitted from it as he could rest some of his star players. Their ruthless attack and solid defense have been the hallmarks of their success this season.
In the reverse fixture, Arsenal emerged victorious with second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and a late strike from Kai Havertz in the 88th minute. Brighton, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back and secure a European spot for the 2024-25 season.
When & Where?
Date: 6th April 2024, Saturday.
Time: 10:00 PM IST
Venue: Amex Community Stadium
Match Officials
Referee: John Brooks
Assistants: Lee Betts, Dan Robathan
Fourth Official: Keith Stroud
VAR: Robert Jones
Assistant VAR: Simon Long
Team News
Brighton’s injury list remains lengthy, with Solly March (knee), Billy Gilmour (knee), Karou Mitoma (back), Jack Hinshelwood (ankle), and James Milner (thigh) all unavailable. Evan Ferguson is a doubt after missing the Brentford match with an ankle knock.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have a much cleaner bill of health. Their only long-term absentee is Jurien Timber (ACL), while Bukayo Saka is expected to return after being rested vs Luton Town.
Pre-Game Tactical Analysis
Brighton are currently enjoying their longest-ever unbeaten run at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League, going 12 without defeat at home since losing 3-1 to West Ham in August. However, Arsenal have shown absolute resilience when they face clubs outside of home. On the trot, they’ve been boasting a 4 game cleansheet streak away from home and would like to get into this fixture in a similar fashion.
Arsenal’s backline have been the hardest to have a sniff at this season as they’ve managed to concede only 23 goals this season (last in the league). The Gunners could capitalise on their set piece prowess too as that was the method how they got their first goal against them in the reverse fixture. They are expected to bring their key players back against the Seagulls, particularly Kiwior, Rice, Saka and Martinelli.
Havertz made some great combinations with ESR and assisted Odegaard’s goal against Luton. His physical prowess along with hold-up play make things very tricky for opponents because he does it in a very casual manner posing as much threat as any other player.
Thomas Partey partnering up with Declan Rice for the very first time this season from the middle can be advantageous as they both would look to access central spaces and create some transitional chances for the frontline to feast on. Although this is being too optimistic after the minutes Partey got at the Luton match, he’s expected to be at his very best soon.
Brighton’s progressional route has been through the middle with Pascal coming to the thick of the build-up phase and creating the majority of the attacks for them. With Joao Pedro back, Pascal’s creativity, Adingra’s dangerous pace and Welbeck’s instinctiveness all together can cause chaos for Arsenal.
A tactical showdown between De Zerbi and Arteta is always a joy to watch. Could Arteta nullify his tactics yet again and build on their unbeaten run?
Key Players
Pascal Groβ
Pascal Groß is poised to be Brighton’s creative spark once again against Arsenal. The highest assist recorder in the Premier League with 10 assists to his name has been one of the most underrated assets in the league this season. The art of keeping the ball ticking and being the protagonist in possession, Pascal generally does it all. His unique playing style is invaluable in the game. The versatility he possesses doesn’t come around often for a player of his calibre.
Martin Odegaard
Captain Ødegaard leading from the front got his 7th goal for the season against Luton. The Norwegian has a knack for hurting Brighton, recording four goal involvements in his six Premier League appearances against them (two goals, two assists). Odegaard’s vision and creativity has been exceptional this season, not a doubt with the quality he produces every game. Odegaard’s quick thinking and split-second decisions end up being the decisive moment in a match. As a leader of the pack, he also leads the side in relentlessly pressing the opponents defensive line. His trademark late runs into the box can be a massive threat for Brighton.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka.
Brighton predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Igor; Baleba, Gross; Adingra, Enciso, Pedro; Welbeck.
