Premier League title-chasing Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium.
Victory would see Arsenal move top of the table before Liverpool play in the teatime kick-off, whilst Brighton can go seventh with a win.
Team News
Gabriel Martinelli is available for Arsenal following his recovery from illness.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Jurrien Timbers, Emile Smith Rowe (both knee), Fabio Vieira (groin) and Thomas Partey (muscle) remain absent.
Brighton have no fresh injury concerns to report after their Europa League win over Marseille but Adam Webster (knock) is nearing a return, although he won’t be risked until he is declared match fit by club doctors.
Tariq Lamptey, Pervis Estupinan, Ansu Fati, Danny Welbeck (all muscle), Solly March and Julio Enciso (both knee) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Arsenal host Brighton at Emirates Stadium on Sunday 17 December in a 2pm GMT kick-off, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal are unbeaten in four of their last six league meetings against Brighton (W3, D1, L2).
- Brighton have claimed 10 points in their last five league visits to Arsenal (W3, D1, L1).
- Arsenal conceded three goals in each of their last two home matches against Brighton in all competitions (L2).
- Martin Odegaard has created more through balls than any other Arsenal player in the league this season, having made 13 through ball passes in 13 appearances.
- Just one of Brighton’s 33 league goals this season has been scored on a counter-attack.
Prediction
Having rested several regulars in their 1-1 draw at PSV which was their third game on the road in eight days, Arsenal should hopefully be freshly prepared for this crucial festive run if they can avoid wasteful chances and sloppy defensive mistakes as seen at PSV and Aston Villa.
Brighton meanwhile seem to relish their trips to the red side of Nortth London but with an injury crisis and inconsistent form, I expect them to be in for a tough scrap here but their clinical win over Marseille amidst resilient defending will give them extra confidence here.
Arsenal though are yet to lose at home this season so unless their last two away performances seep into this home match, I don’t see them losing this but Brighton won’t make this easy by any stretch.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
Result: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton