COLOGNE, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Arsene Wenger of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Europa League Group H soccer match between 1.FC Cologne and Arsenal FC at the Rhein-Energie stadium in Cologne, Germany on November 23, 2017. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
EPL: Brighton vs Arsenal – team news, kick-off time and betting odds
Arsene Wenger hauls the hollow-eyed remains of his Gunners to the AMEX in the EPL on Sunday, haunted by a torrid week at the hands of Manchester City.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Arsene Wenger of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Europa League Group H soccer match between 1.FC Cologne and Arsenal FC at the Rhein-Energie stadium in Cologne, Germany on November 23, 2017. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
Arsenal visit the AMEX Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday to play Brighton, with the pressure ramping up on Arsene Wenger.
The veteran Frenchman saw his team trudge off to the sound of boos and chants of “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” at a near-deserted Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
His beleaguered side had just been trounced 3-0 by Manchester City for the second time in four days.
Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sane led a first half masterclass in freezing London to leave the Gunners facing a frosty reception.
As if their EFL Cup final humbling at Wembley last Sunday hadn’t been bad enough.
Arsenal are now a yawning 30 points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s side at the top of the EPL.
Ten points, more importantly, is now the gap between them and the UEFA Champions League places as a trying campaign threatens to unravel.
By stark contrast, the south coast Seagulls are practically soaring.
Brighton’s recent improvement under boss Chris Hughton has seen them soar to 12th in the EPL table ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
They have won two of their last four unbeaten matches.
Swansea’s revival under Carlos Carvalhal was brought to a shuddering halt last weekend thanks to goals from Glenn Murray (2), Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia in a 4-1 win.
West Ham were also seen off in Brighton’s previous home assignment on the south coast.
Coupled with the Gunners’ fickle form, an upset could well be on the cards here.
Brighton team and injury news
Jiri Skalak is back in training for the Seagulls after an ankle problem.
That leaves Isaiah Brown and veteran Steve Sidwell as the long-term casualties.
Arsenal team and injury news
Jack WIlshere’s ankle injury will require a late fitness test ahead of this one.
Nacho Monreal is out with back trouble, as are Alexandre Lacazette and Santi Cazorla thanks to knee and Achilles problems respectively.
Kick-off time
15:30 (SAST) at the AMEX Stadium.
EPL form (most recent result first)
Brighton: WDWDL
Arsenal: LLWLW
Premier League head-to-head record
Brighton wins: 0
Arsenal wins: 1
Draws: 0
Betting Odds
Brighton win: 3/1
Arsenal win: 17/20
Draw: 26/10
Bet here.
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