Can the Gunners bounce back?
Brighton welcome Arsenal to the American Express Community Stadium on Saturday Afternoon in what will be the hosts first game since before the mandatory break.
Brighton
The Seagulls went into lockdown on the back of a 9 game victory-less streak which has left them dangerously close to the relegation spots, 2 points above them to be precise. But there is yet time to climb given the 27 points that are still up for grabs during the run-in so holding off on the panic button would certainly be a prudent idea.
Ain't no punching bag
Graham Potter's side are a tough side to break down which can be seen in the amount of draws (11) they have amassed but also due to the fact that 6 of their 12 losses have only been by a goals margin. The real issue lies farther up the field in the goal-scoring department where they have only managed a measly 32 goals, a number that should and would be higher had they been more clinical in the final third.
Fortunate timing
A huge boost for the Seagulls is the fact that Arsenal not only played a game 3 days prior this one but have not beaten Brighton in their past 4 matchups (2 losses and 2 draws) meaning Potter's men will have both the physical and psychological edge over their opponents.
Arsenal will be wounded after their bashing against City perhaps leaving room for an opportunity or two, chances Brighton cannot squander if they want to take a vital step towards securing a contract for next season.
Arsenal
The Gunners delight over being back in action lasted all of 47 minutes which is when David Luiz made his first major error of the night. He had been on the pitch for 25 minutes. The same Luiz somehow managed to both concede a penalty and get a direct red card in the 49th minute, a 27 minute cameo all Arsenal fans will be hoping to put behind them come Saturday.
The Brazilians shenanigans led to a 3-0 demolishing of an Arsenal side that had been making such promising progress under new coach Mikel Arteta.
Selection woes
Another headache for the Gunners is the fact that all but two of their centre-half's are out injured, the available ones being Holding, who has only played 86 minutes the whole season, and Mustafi which does little in the way of calming ones nerves.
Lethal going forward
While Arsenal have a problem regarding their defence the same cannot be said about their attack where we can expect some rotation meaning the likes of both Lacazette and Pépé will more than likely feature alongside Aubameyang forming a deadly trio.
If Arteta can rally his troops, which he is more than capable of doing, Arsenal will be a very hard side to beat which can be seen in the fact that they have only lost 2 of their 12 last games under Arteta.
Betting tip
Brighton have taken points from better teams than Arsenal this season whilst the Gunners are continually improving under Arteta which means this game is quite open. I do believe there will be chances going both ways which is why i will be backing Arsenal win or draw and both teams to score at the great odds of 13/10 with Betway.
