Arsenal are top of the Premier League by two points with one game to go before the long World Cup rest period, but they must divert their attention to the Carabao Cup, in which Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton are next to test them. The Seagulls lie in sixth in the league, winning two of their last five games.
The Gunners made the semi final last year, losing out by two goals to winners Liverpool, whereas Brighton bowed out on penalties in the round of 16 to Leicester City.
Arsenal's head to head record is very positive, winning 14 out of 26 duels with the Sussex-based club. This is De Zerbi's first time facing the Gunners, and his 4-1 diminishing of his predecessor Graham Potter and his new Chelsea side two weeks ago shows that he's not one to be taken easy on.
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Team News:
Arsenal
- Emile Smith Rowe is still missing with a groin injury leaving him out of contention until next month.
- Kieran Tierney is expected to be available after being named on the bench for Chelsea, despite his injury scare at the end of the FC Zürich game.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu is doubtful with a muscle injury and is being assessed ahead of the game, yet he has still been named in the Japan squad for the World Cup at the end of the month.
- There is still expected to be a rotate in the side with the likes of Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Reiss Nelson featuring often in these types of games.
Brighton
- Jakub Moder is Brighton's only injury after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in April that has ruled him out until February earliest.
- The Seagulls have nothing to lose and will be expected to play a strong side featuring the regulars like Leandro Trossard, Pascal Gross & Moises Caicedo, however there could be opportunities for players like Billy Gilmour and Tariq Lamptey to feature and prove their case for why they should be starting.
Starting XI Predictions:
Arsenal: Turner, Tierney, Holding, Gabriel, Cedric, Lokonga, Elneny, Vieira, Nelson, Ødegaard, Nketiah
Brighton: Sanchez, Veltman, Dunk, Colwill, Lamptey, Mitoma, Gilmour, Caicedo, March, Trossard, Welbeck
Key Players:
Arsenal- Eddie Nketiah
The man loves a Carabao Cup game. Known as the 'king of the Carabao Cup' to some Arsenal fans, he's been their main source of goals in this tournament in the lower rounds. Whether it's his first two against Norwich City all those years ago, or a hat-trick against Sunderland last year, the 23-year-old has become a key name for the 'Carabao Cup' side. Having not appeared against Chelsea on Sunday, he will be fresh and ready to be used in full force on Wednesday night.
Brighton- Leandro Trossard
It can only be one man, really. The Belgian has been electric for the Seagulls this season, scoring seven in 13 and registering two assists as well in the Premier League. He poses a threat on even some of the best teams in the league, terrorising Chelsea a few weeks ago, and holding Liverpool to an extraordinary 3-3 draw at Anfield.
Match Details:
The match is being played at the Emirates Stadium at 7.45pm UK time, and is not being televised in the UK.
However, to keep up with latest Arsenal & Premier League news, keep tuned at VAVEL.com for the latest analysis pieces, interviews, match previews, reports & manager quotes on and after matchdays!