Brighton-Arsenal is a match of the 32nd day of the Premier League and is played on Saturday at 6:30pm: live TV, probable formations, predictions.
Mikel Arteta in recent days has caught quite a bit of criticism for his Arsenal’s overly conservative attitude in last Sunday’s big match with master Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, which ended in a deadlock (0-0).
The Gunners’ primary goal, however, was to get out of Etihad Stadium unscathed and not allow the Cityzens to implement the dreaded overtaking move in the standings. They succeeded, minimizing risks and forcing De Bruyne and co. into sterile ball possession. Thus, their chances of going on to win the title that they have been waiting for in North London for far, far too long remain intact. Arsenal, in 2024 still undefeated in the Premier League, after the draw with City immediately started winning again: in the midweek round last Wednesday, it imposed itself with a comfortable 2-0 win over Luton, setting the record straight already in the first half thanks to Odegaard’s goal and an own goal by Hashioka.
Success that allowed them to defend their second place and stay -2 from top-ranked Liverpool and hold off City, still at -1: the battle for the title gets tighter and tighter.
The Londoners, who will take the field already knowing Manchester City’s result – Guardiola’s team will be engaged a few hours earlier at home to Crystal Palace – will be hunting for their 10th win in the last 11 days at Amex Stadium, Brighton’s stadium. Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls continue to stutter and after last Sunday’s defeat at Anfield against Liverpool (2-1), they had to settle for a draw this week. The attack is firing blanks: against the Bees, Brighton created countless scoring chances but failed to materialize a single one. Europe is still within reach-the Seagulls are ninth, -2 from West Ham seventh-but a change of pace is needed soon.
The Prediction
Transfer dangerous but within reach for an Arsenal that has not missed a beat in the league since January. Brighton is still without important players – one of them being Japanese Mitoma – and is struggling in the scoring department. The total goals are likely to be less than four.
The probable lineups of Brighton-Arsenal
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Lamptey, Dunk, van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Gross; Adingra, Moder, Enciso; Welbeck.
ARSENAL (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
