With only three games left this season, Arsenal return to action in another exciting Premier League showdown. The Gunners, who are praying to win their first league title in 19 years, will host Brighton in what should be a tricky Sunday fixture as both sides are in desperate need of a win.
The Gunners enter this clash on the back of their crucial 2-0 triumph over Newcastle, with a brilliant Martin Odegaard strike and a Fabian Schar own goal sealing the three points for the North London giants.
That was their second victory in a row after their dreadful four-game winless run, with the win talking them to 81 points, only one behind current leaders Manchester City.
However, Mikel Arteta's men have played a game extra, hence the conundrum. Additionally, Arsenal boast an inferior goal difference and will thus need Guardiola's men to slip-up in two out of their last four games in order to leapfrog them in the table.
And that's not all. Arsenal must make sure they win all of their remaining three games as even a single slip-up would spell the end for their slim hopes. Brighton are the first of their final three opponents, followed by showdowns with Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
The last time the Gunners locked horns with De Zerbi's side, Saka and Co. triumphed but it was a nervy 4-2 victory against a depleted Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Mac Allister, Caicedo, and Welbeck all missed that game but the visitors have a few injuries as well this time around, meaning the Gunners have an added bonus heading into this clash.
As for Brighton, they will look to make amends for their recent defeat at home to Everton. Despite chasing European football for the first time ever, the Seagulls succumbed to an embarrassing defeat at home to Sean Dyche's relegation-battling side, sparking anger from De Zerbi.
The Seagulls were thrashed 5-1 by the Toffees, leaving them with 55 points after 33 games. This means that while Mitoma and Co. have played two fewer games than top-four chasers Newcastle, Manchester United, and Liverpool, Brighton would still be a point behind Klopp's sixth-placed side even if they won those two games.
That was their second defeat in four Premier League games, having gone 3-1 down away to Nottingham Forest not too long ago. However, against the big boys, Brighton typically turn up, with their 1-0 victory over Manchester United being a prime example.
Alexis Mac Allister scored a last-minute penalty to complete the league double over the Red Devils. With the Seagulls facing Arsenal and Newcastle in their next two games, De Zerbi's men must deliver or they will risk missing out on European football altogether.
As mentioned earlier, while UEFA Champions League football appears unlikely for Mitoma and Co. currently, Europa League qualification is in grasp. Unfortunately, De Zerbi's side will face the Premier League's top three teams in their last five games, taking on the Gunners, the Magpies, and top-flight leaders Man City. A victory at the Emirates Stadium would give the visitors the platform to win those other grueling ties.
Team news
Arsenal: Not only is William Saliba out for this game, and possibly the rest of the season, but Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to miss this tie due to injury as well. The Ukrainian thus joins Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the sidelines, which means Kieran Tierney should get a rare start. Elsewhere, it will be interesting to see whether Leandro Trossard or Thomas Partey will fight their way back into the lineup.
Brighton: Solly March is injured for this tie, joining Adam Webster on the sidelines. Tariq Lamptey, Joel Veltman, Adam Lallana, and Jakub Moder are also unavailable but Evan Ferguson and Levi Colwill should be available for this crucial tie.
Key stats
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Arsenal have lost only once in their last 13 Premier League games.
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However, Brighton have won three out of their last four visits to the Emirates Stadium in all competitions.
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However, De Zerbi's men have kept only two clean sheets away from home all season.
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Arteta's men have scored two or more goal in 10 of their last 11 league games.
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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