Arsenal will be looking for their first win in nine matches in all competitions when they host Brighton tonight. This will also be interim manager Freddie Ljungberg’s first match at the Emirates after he took the reins last week after the sacking of Unai Emery. The visitors head into this match on a three-match losing streak. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on this game here.
Arsenal’s unimpressive season continued at the weekend, as they drew against struggling Norwich City at Carrow Road. It’s now eight games since the Gunners last tasted victory. The Gunners last won in the Premier League against Bournemouth back at the start of October. Against Norwich, Arsenal’s long-standing defensive frailties were exposed and although their overall form is worrying, they have a pretty decent home record. Can Ljungberg deliver their first win in eight?
The Seagulls are at risk of being drawn into the relegation scrap. They sit 16th, just a point above the relegation zone. They have the joint-worst away form in the league. They started the campaign with a 3-0 away win over Watford and since then, they’ve gone nearly four months without winning away from home.
Betting preview
Arsenal are yet to lose at home in the Premier League this term. They’ve drawn their last three home games while the visitors have lost their last four away games in the league. Brighton’s poor away form favours Arsenal. The Seagulls’ eight fixtures away to the Gunners have resulted in six losses and two draws, by an aggregate score of 17-2. You can back a Home Win at odds of 1.60.
Both teams have scored in four of Arsenal’s last five league games and three of Brighton’s last five matches. The Gunners have kept just one clean sheet in their last five home games in the league while Brighton have scored in their last three away matches including goals against Manchester United and Liverpool. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.55.
Three of both Arsenal and Brighton’s last five league matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals. You can back Over 2.5 Goals in this encounter at odds of 1.50.
Team news
Arsenal have no new injury concerns. Right-back Hector Bellerin will be assessed after missing the last two games because of a hamstring problem. Centre-back Rob Holding and midfielder Dani Ceballos are still unavailable.
Brighton full-back Bernardo is back in contention following three months out with a knee injury. Solly March and forward Jose Izquierdo are still sidelined.
Possible line-ups
Arsenal: Leno, Chambers, Mustafi, Luiz, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Willock, Guendouzi, Ozil, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Brighton: Ryan, Montoya, Webster, Dunk, Burn, Stephens, Pröpper, Groß, Mooy, Connolly, Maupay