Lineups are announced as the Gunners look to chase down Liverpool
Arsenal travel to Brighton hoping to reduce the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool when they kick off late on Saturday.
The Gunners visit the Amex Stadium knowing that a win will take them within three points of the outstanding Reds.
Liverpool still have a game in hand, but they host arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
Brighton, meanwhile, will be looking to regain their form at the start of the season, when they suffered just one defeat in their first eight league games.
The Seagulls, under young coach Fabian Hurzeler, have been winless in their last seven league games, although the Seagulls have only lost twice in this series.
Hurzeler’s team only suffered one home defeat in the league this season and are therefore hoping to gain something from the competition.
Read on to see how the two teams line up for a thrilling encounter.
Brighton team news
The hosts make three changes compared to the team that drew with Aston Villa five days ago.
Joel Veltman and Pervis Estupinan come on for Tariq Lamptey and captain Lewis Dunk, while Julio Enciso makes way for Matt O’Riley.
Joao Pedro continues to lead the Seagulls side while Danny Welbeck remains out through injury.
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here is our starting eleven that we will compete against @Arsenal tonight. 👀📝 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 XI while Jorginho joins the England player in midfield, replacing 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 off the bench, while Gabriel will make his 15th Premier League appearance.
Kai Havertz is still missing due to illness.
⚫️ TEAM NEWS 🔴
🔙 Rice returns to the starting lineup
©️ Jorginho is the captain of the team
🤝 Trossard faces his former teamLet’s give it our all, Gunners 👊
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 4, 2025
