Lineups revealed as Gunners try to chase down Liverpool

Arsenal travel to Brighton hoping to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool in Saturday’s late kick-off.

The Gunners visit the Amex Stadium knowing victory will come within three points of the high-flying Reds.

Liverpool, however, have a game in hand, hosting fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

Brighton, meanwhile, will be looking to regain their form from their first season in which they lost just once in their first eight league games.

The Seagulls, under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, are winless in their last seven league matches, although the Seagulls have only lost twice during that run.

Hurzeler’s side have tasted defeat just once at home in the league this season and will therefore want to get something out of the competition.

Read on to see how the two sides line up for what promises to be an intriguing encounter.

Brighton team news

The hosts make three changes compared to the team that drew with Aston Villa five days ago.

Joel Veltman and Pervis Estupinan come in for Tariq Lamptey and captain Lewis Dunk, while Julio Enciso makes way for Matt O’Riley.

Joao Pedro continues to lead the line for the Seagulls while Danny Welbeck is still sidelined with injury.

THE NEWS TEAM! 🚨 Here are our starting 11 @Arsenal tonight. 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/yZScjoIEt7

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 4, 2025

Arsenal team news

Mikel Arteta also makes three changes for the Gunners’ trip to the south coast. Declan Rice returns to the starting lineup, while Jorginho partners the Englishman in midfield in place of Martin Odegaard, who drops to the bench.

Thomas Partey comes in at right-back in place of the suspended Jurrien Timber, while Leandro Trossard starts against his former club.

Gabriel Martinelli could make his 200th appearance for Arsenal if he comes on as a substitute, while Gabriel plays in his 15th Premier League game.

Kai Havertz is still absent due to illness.

⚫️ TEAM NEWS 🔴

🔙 Rice returns to the starting 11
©️ Jorginho is the captain of the side
🤝 Trossard faces his former team

Let’s give everything we have, Gunners 👊

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 4, 2025