After two London derbies, Arsenal travel to Brighton

Although it may not seem like it at first glance, the Premier League is slowly but surely heading towards the final. We may still have almost three months of football ahead of us, but the number of games remaining is starting to dwindle. On Wednesday, Arsenal await the 30th game of this year's Premier League season. In other words, the charges Mikel Arteta's they've got nine league games left. On the one hand, that's still a good chunk of games, but on the other hand, the end of the 2025/2026 season is in sight. As the players themselves often point out in interviews, it is necessary to go game by game. I couldn't agree more. Now the north London footballers are facing a trip to nearby Brighton to challenge the home side Seagulls, so let's take a look together at everything there is to know ahead of the round twenty-nine match.

Form

Both Arsenal and Brighton have won their last two competitive matches. How have both teams fared on the field in other recent games? You will find all the essentials, as usual, in the tables below.

Arsenal

📈 Current form: 🟢 🟢 🟡 🟢 🟡

⚽️ Results: Arsenal 2:1 Chelsea (PL), Tottenham 1:4 Arsenal (PL), Wolverhampton 2:2 Arsenal (PL), Arsenal 4:0 Wigan (FA Cup), Brentford 1:1 Arsenal (PL)

🏆 Premier League position: 1st (64 points)

Brighton

📈 Current form: 🟢 🟢 🔴 🔴 🔴

⚽️ Results: Brighton 2:1 Nottingham (PL), Brentford 0:2 Brighton (PL), Liverpool 3:0 Brighton (FA Cup), Aston Villa 1:0 Brighton (PL), Brighton 0:1 Crystal Palace (PL)

🏆 Premier League position: 11th (37 points)

Team and expected line-up

Recent games against tough opponents and a packed calendar directly encourage changes in the line-up. Not so much in terms of performance, but mainly in terms of an even distribution of forces across the roster. Personally, I would definitely make a few changes compared to the Chelsea game. We will know whether Mikel Arteta feels the same way before the game. What could the starting eleven look like when they take to the pitch at Amex Stadium on Wednesday night?

Expected line-up

There is no reason to change anything between the three bars. Although I haven't noticed that David Raya dealt with some health issues during the Chelsea game, so Mikel Arteta confirmed at today's press conference that he is fine and ready to start. Whatever the case, the most important thing is that David Raya is fine. However, in my opinion, there will already be changes in the defensive back four.One change, to be precise.. I think on the left side of the defense. Piero Hincapié will replaceRiccardo Calafiori. I've already mentioned the reason. It is primarily distribution of forces among the players of the whole team, which should keep the bar high for the intensity of Arsenal's play. Jurriën Timber would certainly welcome a rest, but Ben White he's not fit yet. What about the trackers? You don't touch a stopper unless it's necessary.

The composition of the central reserve is one big question mark. Martín Zubimendi has played the most minutes of any Arsenal player (except David Raya) and therefore deserves a rest. Because of his long absence Mikel Merino and the uncertainty surrounding Declan Rice's health Zubimendi will most likely have to start from the first minute against Brighton. I'll go straight to the English midfielder. Declan Rice has been dealing with unspecified health issues since the Chelsea game and it's uncertain whether he'll be fit for Wednesday's game. My guess is he'll be ready, if not, an experienced Christian Nørgaard. As the creator of the game Eberechi Eze should start again, because neither Martin Ødegaard isn't 100% and it's questionable whether he'll even make the roster. To be honest, I don't think we will see the Norwegian footballer in the nomination this time either.

I expect one change in the offensive part of the lineup, as well as in the defensive part. Viktor Gyökeres and Bukayo Saka should keep their spots in the starting lineup, but Leandro Trossard will, in my opinion, replace Gabriel Martinelli.

Absences

In addition to the long-term injured Mikel Merino he won't even make it to the Brighton game Ben White. This information was confirmed today at the pre-match press conference by Mikel Arteta himself. As I wrote a few lines above, uncertainty about the health status of the pair Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. To make matters worse, Arsenal's medical team will still be deciding whether they will be fully prepared for the game at the Amex Stadium Kai Havertz. In the case of Rice and Havertz I think they will be part of the nomination, while for the team captain I expect that the Spanish manager will rather spare him due to the other program. And that should hopefully be all. I'll just add that there is also Max Dowman, who will probably not make the squad for the match against Brighotn.

Opponent

🏟️ Stadium: Amex Stadium, Brighton (capacity 31 876)

👔 ManagerFabian Hürzeler

🧤GoalkeepersBart Verbruggen, Jason Steele

🛡️ DefendersOlivier Boscagli, Maxim De Cuyper, Lewis Dunk, Fredi Kadioglu, Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke

🎯 MidfieldersYasin Ayari, Carlos Baleba, Diego Gomez, Pascal Groß, Jack Hinshelwood, Harry Howell, James Milner, Matt O'Riley, Mats Wieffer

⚽️ ForwardsCharalampos Kostulas, Solly March, Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Nehemiah Oriola, Georgino Rutter, Stefanos Tzimas, Danny Welbeck

Match

With the end of the season slowly approaching, I expect every Arsenal game will be about 100% concentration and commitment. I'm afraid we'll see less and less of the Gunners' handsome and relaxed attitude in the English Premier League. I'd love to be wrong, but I think Mikel Arteta will go all out from now on, especially for results. If he has to sacrifice a polished display of play to win, I have no doubt in my mind that he will do it. You can probably guess where I'm going with this.

Although Arsenal's players have tremendous quality and will be in good spirits after two important victories, I dare say that there will be no breathtaking football at the Amex Stadium. But that doesn't mean that the Gunners won't be more active in the match. They probably will. Arsenal will be conquering, Brighton will be mainly defending and going on the break. It's how long we'll see that picture of the game, it's all about when the first goal is scored. In case Mikel Arteta's charges would get a bigger lead on Brighton's ground, the calm and relaxed game would probably come. Personally, though, I'm more inclined to think that the Brighton-Arsenal game will be about one or two goals. I believe Arsenal will be the favourites to take all three points in north London. This time it could really be with the zero defensively. At least David Raya would deserve another clean sheet.

So what do I expect the result to be? I predict Arsenal to win 2:0.

Next match

Arsenal's programme will continue FA Cup Round of 16, which is scheduled on Saturday 7 March 2026 from 13:15 (CET). Mikel Arteta's men are the clear favourites to take on of third-league Mansfield.

See you next time, I'll look forward to it!

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