Arsenal take on Brighton in what is being billed as the Gunners’ trickiest game of the season so far.
The Frontier brings to you everything you need to know ahead of the game today:
Kick-off time and location:
The Premier League fixture between Brighton and Arsenal is scheduled to take place today Saturday, September 19 at the Amex in East Sussex. The referee will get the match underway at 3pm as both teams look to secure a crucial three points in the early stages of the season.
Reason for no UK TV channel or live stream:
Fans based in the United Kingdom will not be able to watch the game on live television or any streaming platforms. This blackout is due to the traditional 3pm Saturday broadcasting restriction, which is enforced to help protect stadium attendances across the lower leagues.
How to watch in the US:
Supporters across the Atlantic will be able to watch the match, which begins at 10am ET, on USA Network and Telemundo. Football fans in the United States can also stream the fixture live on Peacock.
UK radio coverage:
Despite the TV blackout, radio stations will provide comprehensive audio commentary. BBC Radio Five Live will broadcast live coverage nationwide, while local listeners can also follow the match on BBC Radio Sussex.
Team news and injuries:
Brighton face several injury issues heading into the weekend, with Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood and Stefanos Tzimas among those to have spent time on the sidelines. Femi Azeez also remains doubtful with a muscle injury. Conversely, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a much shorter injury list, with only William Saliba ruled out due to a back issue, while Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are also doubts for the game.
Head-to-head record:
Arsenal have made a perfect start to the league campaign and hold a strong record against Brighton. The Gunners have won 20 of their 35 meetings overall, with the Seagulls claiming eight victories.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Brighton:
•Bukayo Saka and Yankuba
Fabian Hurzeler last season accused Mikel Arteta’s side of playing by their own rules and that his side were the only one that wanted to play football.
After missing out on five defenders for the League Cup win over Ipswich Town, there are question marks over who will partner the existing players. William Saliba remains out and will be so for the long term, while at right-back, there is concern over availability.
However, this could be the first time we see the team nearly at its absolute peak, besides the absence of Saliba. Jurrien Timber and Bruno Guimaraes could be set for key roles on the south coast as the Gunners attempt to make it five wins from five in the Premier League.
Here is how football.london predicts Arsenal will set up:
David Raya
The Spaniard was critical to the Gunners’ win at Sunderland with his penalty save and will no doubt be tested again on the south coast.
Jurrien Timber
After missing out in midweek due to a precaution, the Dutchman is expected to return and start for the first time this season.
Ezri Konsa
A tricky performance in midweek playing on the left, but the England international has been excellent in the Premier League so far.
Gabriel
The Brazilian was allowed 45 minutes before being brought off on Tuesday at half-time. He will have plenty to deal with from Charalampos Kostoulas or Georginio Rutter.
Riccardo Calafiori
Another who was given a full week’s rest and has been the dynamic thrusting force of the Arsenal left flank, and will look to break the mould again on Saturday.
Declan Rice
Not even in the squad for the trip to Ipswich, and will certainly benefit from the rest.
Bruno Guimaraes
After his goal at Sunderland, the Brazilian has given Arteta little choice but to pick him for this game and it could be a sign of things to come.
Martin Odegaard
The skipper couldn’t help but get on the pitch on Tuesday, but should still be able to keep up his form this weekend after a big start to the season.
Bukayo Saka
A penalty in Sunderland took his tally to three in four games for Saka. Now he will be aiming for another goal against the Seagulls.
Kai Havertz
Another who was able to get a full week’s rest, and with how Viktor Gyokeres performed, competition for his position is not exactly vicious.
Christos Tzolis
Eberechi Eze struggled to impress on Tuesday and will not have done close to enough in order to displace Christos Tzolis from the left, who many felt was something of a ‘Brighton-type’ signing.
