Brighton vs Arsenal
Venue: Amex Stadium
Kick off: 2:30PM
Jack Wilshere is a doubt for Arsenal’s Sunday showdown with Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
The England midfielder missed Thursday’s 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City with a minor ankle issue and could also sit out the game on the south coast.
The scrutiny on Arsene Wenger’s future is increasing with his side having lost four of their past six Premier League games, and the Frenchman admits he has a job on to lift his players ahead of their trip to Brighton.
“It has taken out confidence and brought big disappointment,” he said. “In football, you lose confidence very quickly and you regain it very slowly and you always have to show strength not to give in.
“When that kind of disappointment comes it divides, it splits and our experience has to help us to stay together and focus on the next games.”
Meanwhile, Chris Hughton admits it may well be the worst time for his Brighton side to face Arsenal, despite the Gunners’ poor recent form.
“When you are playing a team of the stature of Arsenal, you’ve got to be wary of a reaction.
“It could arguably be the worst time to play them, so we have to make sure we play to the levels we know we can.”
Brighton has no new injury concerns. The Seagulls have a nearly fully-fit squad for the visit of Wenger’s side, with midfielder Jiri Skalak in contention having overcome an ankle injury.
Steve Sidwell (ankle) remains a long-term absentee but Hughton has everyone else available.
Arsenal has Nacho Monreal (back) and Alexandre Lacazette (knee) absent with Wenger likely to make changes with the Europa League trip to AC Milan looming.
The Amex Stadium will be the 57th ground at which Arsenal have played a Premier League game – they’ve won at 50 of the previous 56.
The Gunners have lost three consecutive away league games for the sixth time under Arsene Wenger – with the most recent run (4 games) occurring last season.
Brighton possible XI: Ryan, Schelotto, Duffy, Dunk, Bong, Knockaert, Stephens, Proepper, Izquierdo, Gross, Murray.
Arsenal possible XI: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Elneny, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Ozil.