Arsenal vs Brighton preview: How to watch on TV, live stream, team news & prediction

Arsenal begin their EFL Cup journey on Wednesday night as they play host to fellow Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Gunners have started the season superbly and recently secured a huge away victory at Chelsea to return to the top of the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta’s side have accumulated 34 points through 13 league games; their best-ever return.

The EFL Cup represents a good opportunity to claim some silverware this season.

Arsenal were beaten in the semi-finals by eventual winners Liverpool last time out as the Reds broke Manchester City’s monopoly over the competition.

However, they’ve been dealt a tricky third-round draw as a bouyant Brighton side make the trip up to north London.

Arsenal vs Brighton preview: How to watch on TV, live stream, team news & prediction

Here’s our preview of this third-round EFL Cup tie between Arsenal and Brighton at the Emirates.

How to watch Arsenal vs Brighton in the EFL Cup

When is kick-off? Wednesday 9 November

What time is kick-off? 19:45 (BST)

Where is it played? Emirates Stadium

TV channel/live stream? N/A

Referee? TBC

Arsenal Team News

This is another chance for Mikel Arteta to rotate his starting pack with several first-teamers likely earning rests.

Cedric Soares should make his first start of the season, while Marquinhos and Reiss Nelson will likely occupy the flanks. Eddie Nketiah will get another chance to impress up top, as will Fabio Vieira and Sambi Lokonga in midfield.

Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu are sidelined.

Brighton Team News

Roberto De Zerbi has little to worry about on the injury front, but the Italian will certainly rotate his side from Saturday’s win at Wolves and hand minutes to several fringe players.

Levi Colwill and Billy Gilmour are in contention for rare starts, while Danny Welbeck should start against his former club.

Jakub Moder is out for the visitors.

Arsenal vs Brighton Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Turner; Cedric, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Elneny, Lokonga, Vieira; Marquinhos, Nketiah, Nelson.

Brighton: Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Colwill; Lamptey, Caicedo, Gilmour, Mitoma; March, Welbeck, Trossard.

Arsenal’s Recent Form

Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal (06/11) – Premier League

Arsenal 1-0 FC Zurich (03/11) – Europa League

Arsenal 5-0 Nottingham Forest (30/10) – Premier League

PSV 2-0 Arsenal (27/10) – Europa League

Southampton 1-1 Arsenal (23/10) – Premier League

Brighton’s Recent Form

Wolves 2-3 Brighton (05/11) – Premier League

Brighton 4-1 Chelsea (29/10) – Premier League

Manchester City 3-1 Brighton (22/10) – Premier League

Brighton 0-0 Nottingham Forest (18/10) – Premier League

Brentford 2-0 Brighton (14/10) – Premier League

Prediction

This game is a minor inconvenience for Mikel Arteta, but the Spaniard will be intent on overcoming a tricky tie on Wednesday. Brighton are starting to find their groove under De Zerbi, and Arsenal must retain their aggression throughout the contest if they’re to assert control over the brave and technically proficient visitors.

This isn’t the ideal matchup for the hosts, and I fear that their rotated XI could come unstuck against the confident Seagulls.

As a result, I could see Brighton taking this tie all the way, but I’ve got to back the Gunners to win the shootout, right?

Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Brighton (Arsenal to win on penalties)