Arsenal look to continue their impressive winning streak against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, despite a growing list of injuries to key players on both sides.
Arsenal will look to build on their impressive domestic and European form when they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday.
FotMob reports the Gunners are seeking to “extend their seven-game winning run in all competitions,” capitalising on a successful start that sees them four points clear in the Premier League and holding a perfect record in the Champions League.
The fixture is seen as an opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s squad to gain “more momentum” and secure a spot in the quarter-finals. For a club that has gone “over 30 years since Arsenal last won the League Cup,” lifting the trophy this season would be considered “some vindication of Arteta’s process.”
Arsenal enter the tie on a 10-game unbeaten run, contrasting with Brighton, who saw their five-game unbeaten streak end with a 4-2 loss to Manchester United last weekend.
However, the analysis notes a severe team news concern for the hosts. “While Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace strengthened Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League, it came at a cost.
Indeed, the Gunners’ injury list is now longer than it was before the weekend.” Key players Declan Rice, William Saliba, Ricardo Califiori, and Gabriel Martinelli are all listed as doubts after picking up knocks, joining long-term absentees Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.
Arteta is expected to rotate his options, with Viktor Gyökeres set to lead the line and Eberechi Eze expected to start as the number 10. For Brighton, who are dealing with their own long-term injury issues, the goal-scoring hero from the last round, Diego Gómez, could retain his spot, supported by the experience of James Milner in midfield.
Despite the anticipated rotation and injury woes, FotMob predicts a comfortable home victory: “There may be a lot of changes in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI at the Emirates, but there should still be enough quality in defence to maintain their current resolve… Arsenal 2-0 Brighton.”