Brighton vs Arsenal Women: Preview, prediction & lineups

After suffering Champions League semi-final heartbreak at the weekend, can Arsenal lift the mood, as attention turns back to the WSL? On Saturday, the Gunners hopes of retaining their European crown went up in smoke, beaten 3-1 at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Alessia Russo's late aggregate equaliser seemingly forced extra time, only for OL Lyonnes to snatch victory right at the death.

So now, Renée Slegers' side must ensure that they are in next season's Champions League, because that is not a given. The Gunners have claimed six successive WSL victories, scoring 22 goals across these matches, unbeaten in 13 overall. A week ago, a much-rotated side demolished bottom of the table Leicester 7-0 at the Emirates, with Swedish duo Smilla Holmberg and then Stina Blackstenius both bagging braces.

Slegers' side sit third in the table, one point above Manchester United and five points below Chelsea, but having played three games fewer than both. Third place enters Champions League qualifying, while the top two go straight into the league phase, so climbing above their London rivals is a prize worth fighting for. After this, Arsenal travel to Aston Villa, host Everton and then finish the campaign at Anfield against Liverpool, all winnable game, so will they pick up three important points in Crawley?

Well, hosts Brighton & Hove Albion will be no push overs. The Seagulls knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in Borehamwood a mere 31 days ago, so perhaps will have one eye on Sunday's semi-final clash with Liverpool in St Helens. In the WSL meantime, Dario Vidošić's side are an improving force.

In their last home game, Brighton beat champions-elect Manchester City 3-2, before drawing 1-1 with Man United last weekend; Jelena Čanković on target in Leigh. The Albion are therefore sixth, not consistent enough to challenge for a top three finish, but this is an ambitious club. In the reverse fixture, it took a Marisa Olislagers own goal for Arsenal to beat Brighton in North London, so the away side will have to work hard to leave Broadfield with three points.

Brighton vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

What time does Brighton vs Arsenal kick off?

Brighton vs Arsenal kicks off on Wednesday 6 May at 19:45 (BST).

• When is kick off? Wednesday 6 May
• What time is kick off? 19:45 (BST)
• Where is it played? Broadfield Stadium
• Referee: Callum Jones.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal head-to-head record

• Brighton Wins: 2. Draws: 1. Arsenal Wins: 16.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal previous seven meetings

How to watch Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal

Brighton team news

Arsenal loanee Rosa Kafaji is ineligible, while Aisha Masaka is injured. As already mentioned, it will be interesting to see what team Dario Vidošić puts out. This is effectively a dead-rubber for Brighton, who have an historic FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, so will he heavily rotate?

Predicted Brighton lineup vs Arsenal: Nnadozie; McLauchlan, Hayes, Minami, Vanegas; Symonds, Čanković, Seike, Olislagers; Noordam, Camacho.

Arsenal team news

Renée Slegers made wholesale changes against bottom of the table Leicester a week ago and, while a repeat of that is not expected, some rotation is, after a gruelling afternoon in France. Kyra Cooney-Cross, Beth Mead and Steph Catley are unavailable while, only just back from injury, it would not be a surprise if Leah Williamson drops out.

Smilla Holmberg's player of the match performance a week ago, and assist off the bench in Lyon, might just earn her a start, while Chloe Kelly could also return to the lineup. As usual, Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are set to lead the attack, so can they fire Arsenal to victory?

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Brighton: van Domselaar; Holmberg, Codina, Wubben-Moy, Hinds; Little, Caldentey; Smith, Kelly, Blackstenius, Russo.

Brighton vs Arsenal score prediction

Not so long ago, Arsenal would swat Brighton aside with ease, enjoying four successive victories over the Seagulls, scoring 17 goals and conceding zero. Since then though, the Albion have won two of their last three against the Gunners, beating them 4-2 in Crawley 12 months ago and at Meadow Park as recently as Easter weekend.

Nevertheless, the home side will surely not be at full strength and full focus, with a place in the FA Cup Final at Wembley to play for this weekend. Thus, we fully expect Arsenal to be victorious, closing the gap on second-placed Chelsea, giving themselves the chance to then overtake the serial champions at Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.

Prediction: Brighton 1-3 Arsenal

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow