Brighton vs Arsenal FA Cup Preview, Team News, Injuries, Predictions and Expected Lineups

Jan 25, 2013 10:51 PM EST
Kieran Gibbs Arsenal
Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs celebrates after scoring against Swansea in the FA Cup third round game at the Liberty Stadium, January 6"

 

Arsenal were irresistible in the midweek English Premier League game against West Ham, slamming home five goals in a brilliant display.

Now, it is time for the Gunners to carry forward that momentum and show they are capable of putting on such performances on a consistent basis, starting with the F.A. Cup fourth round tie at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The last time Arsenal faced a lower league opposition, they were embarrassed by League Two side Bradford City; lightning surely cannot strike twice, or at least that is what all the Arsenal fans will be hoping.

Championship side Brighton are no pushovers. They comfortably saw off the challenge of Newcastle United in the third round and on their day can give a game to anybody.

Arsene Wenger, no doubt, would have drilled those aspects into his side. No complacency, would have been the byword; and that is something that Arsenal always need to be aware of.

There have been so many times in the past few years when this Gunners side have just not shown up, and put in flat performances against teams they should be easily dispatching, like they did West Ham.

"Tomorrow (Saturday) has a big importance to me because it is our next game and we are looking for consistency because we know that will be the key for us to be successful until the end of the season," Wenger said.

"It is a possibility of course for a trophy and we do not want to neglect that.

"Let's be a bit realistic and pragmatic and go game to game, but I feel there is a potential in our team.

"Hopefully that will come out from now on until the end of the season.

"Let's just continue to play and not worry too much about who we play, but focus on how we can repeat the quality performances."

Arsenal will be without skipper Thomas Vermaelen, who picked up a knock on his ankle in the game against West Ham, while Mikel Arteta and Francis Coquelin remain missing.

"Vermaelen will not be available," Wenger added. "He did his ankle against West Ham. He could have played on and I took him off as a precaution. It got a bit worse yesterday so we will not gamble on him. It is short-term."

Arsenal will have Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby back, though, meaning the manager is likely to rest Jack Wilshere, who has been inspirational for the Gunners ever since making his comeback this season.

Brighton defender Bruno is doubtful for the game, while Vicente, who made a return from a long-term injury layoff earlier this week, is expected to be named in the squad.

Expected lineups: Brighton: Ankergren; Lopez, Greer, El-Abd, Bridge; Bridcutt, Orlandi, Hammond; Barnes, Mackail-Smith, LuaLua.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Diaby, Ramsey; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud.

Prediction: 4-1 to Arsenal

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