Arsenal travel to Brighton hoping to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool in Saturday night’s kick-off.
The Gunners head to the Amex Stadium knowing a victory will come within three points of the high-flying Reds.
Liverpool, however, have a game in hand but host fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
Brighton, meanwhile, will be looking to return to their early season form which saw them lose just once in the opening eight league matches.
The Seagulls, led by young manager Fabian Hurzeler, are winless in their last seven league matches, although they have only lost twice during this run.
Hurzeler’s side have only lost once at home in the league this season and will be keen to get something out of this competition.
Read on to see how the two sides line up for what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Brighton team news
The hosts make three changes from the side that drew against Aston Villa five days ago.
Joel Veltman and Pervis Estupinan replace Tariq Lamptey and captain Lewis Dunk, while Julio Enciso makes way for Matt O’Riley.
Joao Pedro continues to lead the Seagulls line with Danny Welbeck still out due to injury.
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here is our starting XI to face @Arsenal This evening. 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/yZScjoIEt7
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 4, 2025
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta also makes three changes for the Gunners’ trip to the south coast. Declan Rice returns to the starting lineup, while Jorginho starts the England player in midfield in place of Martin Odegaard, who drops to the bench.
Thomas Partey replaces the suspended Jurrien Timber at right-back, while Leandro Trossard starts against his former club.
Gabriel Martinelli could make his 200th appearance for Arsenal if he comes on, while Gabriel is playing his 150th Premier League match.
Kai Havertz remains absent due to illness.
⚫️ 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴
🔙 Rice returns to the starting lineup
©️ Jorginho skippers the side
🤝 Trossard faces his former teamLet’s give it all we’ve got, Gunners 👊
–Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 4, 2025
