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PREVIEW: Brighton v Arsenal, Team News, Starting XI & Prediction

By on January 24, 2015

arsenal FA Cup

Arsenal continue the defence of the FA Cup when we take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Abbey Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

We cruised past last years finalists Hull City in the previous round and it was surprising how straight-forward the win was considering the scare they gave us at Wembley.

Arsene Wenger will be hoping for a similar performance and result tomorrow but it could be a tricky test away at Brighton as Chris Hughton’s men can be a dangerous side when on form.

They did slip to a 1-0 defeat at home to Brentford last weekend but I hope we don’t take this game too lightly.

We warmed up for the match with an impressive 2-0 win away at Manchester City last Sunday and that result should give the whole squad a huge boost, not just for this game but for the rest of the season.

But let’s focus on the task at hand and that’s beating Brighton to book our place in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Abbey Stadium is expected to be a sell-out but if you fancy your chances of getting a late ticket for the game, head over to www.1st4footballtickets.com, you might get lucky.

Team News

Arsene has already confirmed that Walcott and Ozil will start the game as they continue to regain match fitness following lengthy injuries.

Oxlade-Chamberlain may miss out with a groin injury while Welbeck is still nursing a thigh problem.

It’s going to be interesting to see who the boss opts for in goal but I think we’ll see Ospina keep his place with Szczesny possible recalled for next weeks clash with Aston Villa.

Bellerin is expected to shake off a minor ankle knock to start in place of the injured Debuchy at right-back while Gibbs could come in for Monreal on the left.

Koscielny should be rested so Chambers is likely to partner Mertesacker in the centre of defence.

Arsene has also hinted that Akpom could get a rare start while Flamini, Campbell and Rosicky are also pushing for game-time.

Wilshere, Arteta, Diaby and Gnabry remain unavailable.

Preferred line-up

Prediction

This could be an entertaining FA Cup tie between two sides who like to play football and that should work in our favour though as Brighton will feel pressure to come and attack us at home, which should leave plenty of space for us to exploit. We have a very good record of beating lower league opposition in the domestic cups and I don’t see us slipping up tomorrow, so I’m going for an away win. Brighton 1-3 Arsenal

If you’re not lucky enough to be heading to Brighton this weekend, then you can watch the game live on BT Sport, but there’s nothing like being in the stands on match-day so click here to attend an Arsenal match, it’s always an enjoyable day out even if the result doesn’t go our way.