The bid for a Europa League spot comes alive on the final matchday for Arsenal as they welcome Brighton. The match schedules for Sunday at Emirates Stadium with kickoff at 6 pm.
Arsenal continues battling to occupy the seventh spot, with Everton and Tottenham chasing closely. However, a loss this weekend will land the Gunners in the Europa Conference Cup.
The last time Arsenal went without European football was back in 1995-96. However, it might become a reality on the final matchday if they encounter a loss. The 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace made it four wins in a row for the first time in Mikel Arteta’s managerial career.
It started with a brilliantly converted kick by Nicolas Pepe after a Kieran Tierney assist. However, Christian Benteke continued his spectacular form with a dividing head. It seemed the game would end in a draw before youngster Martinelli converted a tap-in in the last minute. However, Nicolas Pepe laid the game to rest in the added minutes.
Furthermore, there is a scheduled fan protest outside Emirates Stadium over rows with owners KSE and Stan Kroenke. Spotify owner Daniel EK recently announced having his takeover bid overturned by the management.
On the other hand, Brighton can rest assured of getting another season in the Premier League. Since their confirmation a few weeks ago, the Seagulls drew 1-1 to West Ham and defeated Man City 3-2.
Arsenal vs Brighton Head to Head
Both sides have nine games against each other with Arsenal taking four wins while Brighton with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
- Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal
- Arsenal 3-1 West Brom
- Arsenal 0-0 Villarreal
- Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
Away
- Brighton 3-2 Man City
- Brighton 1-1 West Ham
- Wolves 2-1 Brighton
- Brighton 2-0 Leeds United
- Sheffield United 1-0 Brighton
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta has a fully fit squad ahead of the clash, with the only injury absentees being David Luiz and Hector Bellerin. Granit Xhaka came off the bench as a substitute last time to replace Mohamed Elneny in the middle of the park. Nicolas Pepe is likely to get a start after a ‘Man of the Match’ performance last time out.
Brighton Team News
Lewis Dunk returns to the fold after picking a two-match suspension. However, forward Neal Maupay remains banned ahead of the clash. In addition, Danny Welbeck will miss out on reuniting with his former club with a hamstring problem.
Prediction and Odds
Arsenal has a golden chance to make the top seven spot with all the efforts to recover from a dismal season.
- Arsenal Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- Most Goals: 2H
