Arsenal vs Brighton preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Mohamed Elneny, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at American Express Community Stadium on December 29, 2020 in Brighton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Mohamed Elneny, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at American Express Community Stadium on December 29, 2020 in Brighton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Granit Xhaka
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 29: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal holds off Davy Propper of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal. (Photo by Frank Augstein – Pool/Getty Images) /

Arsenal Team News vs Brighton

There will likely be no ideal send-off for two Arsenal players.

For David Luiz the jury is split on his two years in north London, with his presence behind the scenes, his hugely likable character and the vital role he played in helping win last season’s FA Cup among the endearing aspects.

He is injured and only in with a minor chance of playing on Sunday, which will be his final venture into the Emirates Stadium as an employee of Arsenal. It looks certain to be the same for Hector Bellerin, who won’t be fit to play, as he nears a summer exit. Arteta did his best to temper that, but it’s fairly conclusive.

"“Hector is not fit [for Sunday] so he will not be playing the last time. Like everybody that has a contract, he remains here,” he said."

Granit Xhaka made his return from a groin problem as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace and is in line to start, while there will be no room for Mat Ryan in the squad. The Australian is on loan from Sunday’s opposition and can play no part, with it interesting to see whether he will be back in north London next season.

That means a role on the bench is likely for Arthur Okonkwo, which will be a memorable day for the youngster.

As for the visitors, there will be no Neal Maupay. It’s a bit of a shame, even if he loves playing Arsenal, as the fans would have loved someone to boo vociferously throughout. He’s not alone, as Solly March, Tariq Lamptey, former Gunner Danny Welbeck, Joel Veltman and Davy Propper are all unlikely to make the game.