Arsenal were clustered in hands of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City which marked the Premier Leagues return rather tougher than us Gooners expected.
But after every win you want to get out there quickly to prove yourself and Arsenal will take field against Brighton tomorrow as Mikel Arteta & Co. face pressure to perform if they were to attain European Football next season.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Venue: Amex Stadium
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 15:00 BST
TEAM NEWS
Mikel Arteta lost Granit Xhaka in under five minutes against Manchester City which was followed by dismissal of Pablo Mari due to suspected ankle ligament problem which will keep the Spaniard sidelined for the rest of the season. The night got worse for the Gunners, as Mari’s substitute David Luiz was shown the red carpet early in the second half. So, none of the mentioned players will take part in Arsenal’s trip to East Sussex.
Mikel Arteta is pretty tight on the defence, as Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers are ruled out of the season, it will take couple of weeks for Sokratis to be nursed back into full fitness and Rob Holding has not featured since January. Which leaves only Shkodran Mustafi as the only fully fit defender.
Mikel Arteta has reportedly included Zech Medley in the squad for their trip to Brighton on Saturday.
Cedric Soares had a facial injury, could feature with the mask – though no updates on his contract situation and there also is a possibility for the Portuguese to leave the Emirates without making his Arsenal debut.
Mikel Arteta, in the pre-match press conference, made it clear that Mesut Ozil would only be restored in the starting line-up when he believes the midfielder can rediscover his best form.
“There’s a lot that’s happened to him in the last few weeks and I have to respect the time for every player. Sometimes they need a little bit of time. It has been difficult preparation in the last two months to get players ready.
“Again, I am the first one who wants Mesut at his best. I will put him on the pitch when I think he can give his best.
Brighton have about a full squad to choose from, as Jose Izquierdo is the only injury concern for Potter ahead of clash.
Predicted Line-Up:
Brighton: Ryan; Montoya, Webster, Dunk, Burn; Mooy, Propper, Bissouma; March, Maupay, Trossard
Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Tierney; Ceballos, Guendouzi; Pepe, Nelson, Aubameyang; Nketiah
