Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion preview, predicted XI, team news and more

In Freddie Ljungberg's first game in charge as Arsenal's interim manager, the Gunners started with Calum Chambers, Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sead Kolasinac forming the backline. But the Arsenal defence continued to look vulnerable as they conceded two goals at Carrow Road, before goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang led to a 2-2 draw with the Canaries.

Meanwhile for Brighton and Hove Albion, they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool who are at the top of the Premier League table. The Seagulls performed well throughout the 90 minutes but were helpless when defending against set-pieces.

Kick-off information

Date: 5 December (6 December in India)

Time: 8.15 pm BST, 1.45 am IST

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Where to watch: Star Sports Select (India)

Form guide

Arsenal (league games): D-D-L-D-D

Brighton and Hove Albion (league games): W-W-L-L-L

Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion head-to-head

The North London club have faced Brighton on 19 occasions across all competitions, winning 12 of them. However, the Gunners' form is a cause for concern. They are without a win in eight consecutive games. Even with Ljungberg as the new manager, the Gunners are still in search of a victory.

Norwich City v Arsenal FC - Premier League

Similarly, Graham Potter's side will be looking to end their losing streak. Since overcoming Norwich City in early November, the Seagulls have lost to Manchester United, Leicester City and Liverpool.

Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion team news

Arsenal team news

Dani Ceballos remains unavailable with a hamstring injury. Additionally, Joe Willock seemed to have injured his ankle over the weekend and might be a doubt.

Nicolas Pepe has stayed on the bench for two consecutive matches but he might start on Thursday. Furthermore, considering Granit Xhaka's spat with the home fans, he might not be in the starting line-up this time around.

Nicolas Pepe

Injuries: Ceballos

Doubtful: Willock

Suspensions: None

Brighton and Hove Albion team news

Without any new injuries, Brighton are expected to name an unchanged side for the match. Solly March remains a doubt while both Bernardo and José Izquierdo should still be out.

Injuries: Bernardo and Izquierdo

Doubtful: March

Suspensions: None

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Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion Predicted XI

Arsenal Predicted XI (4-2-1-3): Bernd Leno; Calum Chambers, Sokratis, David Luiz, Kieran Tierney; Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira; Mesut Ozil; Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Brighton and Hove Albion Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mathew Ryan; Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, Martin Montoya, Dan Burn; Dale Stephens, Yves Bissouma, Davy Propper; Pascal Gross, Aaron Mooy, Aaron Connolly

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Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion prediction

The Gunners are almost bound to concede a goal regardless of the opposition. In 14 Premier League tables played Bernd Leno has only kept two clean sheets, and that is one weakness Potter and his side would look to exploit.

Aubameyang netted two goals against Norwich and as Arsenal's top scorer, he remains the largest goalscoring threat of the team. Playing at home gives the Gunners a slight advantage and this could ultimately see Ljungberg's men get all three points.

Verdict: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton and Hove Albion