Arsenal v Brighton
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Date: Sunday 1st October 2017
Kick-off: 12:00 BST
Referee: Kevin Friend
Assistants: Stuart Burt, Ian Hussin
Fourth official: Roger East
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is pushing for a recall after overcoming a knee injury.
Danny Welbeck, Alex Iwobi, Calum Chambers, Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla are all still absent.
Brighton will be without striker Tomer Hemed, who begins a three-match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct against Newcastle last weekend.
Glenn Murray has returned to training following an ankle injury and has an outside chance of being involved.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "On paper, and with many of their big names rested in Thursday's Europa League match in Belarus, this looks like it should be a straightforward home win for Arsenal.
"But Brighton manager Chris Houghton [sic] knows what it's like to upset odds at The Emirates. He was in charge of Newcastle the last time Arsenal lost at home to a newly-promoted team seven years ago, with the Magpies recording a 1-0 win.
"Brighton will likely need to keep it tight to stand a chance this time too, with scoring goals likely to be their biggest immediate problems.
"Tomer Hemed begins a three-match ban, whilst Glen Murray and Sam Baldock have been unavailable in recent weeks, so their attacking resources will surely be tested."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Brighton: "I think it will be difficult to break them down because they are very well organised, they are very disciplined as well.
"Their team keeps the ball well and from what I've seen they have a good technical quality, they try to play everywhere and it is a different challenge for us.
"We have done very well at home until now, so we know that it is absolutely vital for us."
Brighton manager Chris Hughton on Tomer Hemed's suspension: "We are disappointed.
"We know the player, we still feel that there was no intent and that's why we appealed, so we are very disappointed.
"But we just have to deal with it."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
[*=left]Arsenal have won the last four meetings, the three most recent coming in the FA Cup.
[*=left]Brighton have only ever beaten Arsenal twice in 16 attempts, both home league victories in 1982.
[*=left]Albion have scored once in their past six away matches at Arsenal (D1, L5).
Arsenal
[*=left]Arsenal have won eight successive Premier League home games dating back to March, one victory shy of their all-time record at the Emirates Stadium.
[*=left]They have kept three straight league clean sheets since the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool last month.
[*=left]Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 31 league matches against newly promoted sides (W26, D5) since losing 2-1 at QPR in March 2012.
[*=left]The last promoted side to win at the Emirates were Newcastle in November 2010 - then managed by current Brighton boss Chris Hughton.
[*=left]Arsene Wenger could record victory over a 45th different Premier League club, which would surpass Sir Alex Ferguson's feat.
[*=left]Alexandre Lacazette has scored in each of his opening three home league appearances - the last Arsenal player to score in his first four was Jackie Henderson in 1958, who went on to score in five.
Brighton
[*=left]Brighton could win consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since September 1982, when they enjoyed home victories against Arsenal and Sunderland.
[*=left]They have won only one of their last 32 top-flight away matches, a 2-1 victory at Swansea in March 1983 (D8, L23).
[*=left]The Seagulls are yet to win an away game in league or cup this season, scoring only one goal.
[*=left]Albion have used a league-low 16 players so far this season.
