The Gunners have suffered three consecutive Premier League defeats to leave them two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea heading into their penultimate domestic fixture.
The north Londoners did make a welcome return to form in midweek when they beat Valencia 3-1 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie but boss Unai Emery is keen to put a pin in their European tie in order to focus on the Seagulls.
The Spanish tactician says the top four has to be the club's No.1 priority and claims not to have given much thought to the implications for the club of a third consecutive season without Champions League football.
They should keep their hopes alive against a Brighton side, who have only won once in the Premier League in 2019, while the Seagulls have lost on six of their last seven trips to Arsenal.
Chris Hughton's men did battle to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Amex Stadium in December and, at the time, a relegation battle didn't appear to be on the cards for the Seagulls.
They currently sit four points outside the relegation zone and might be safe from the drop by the time they kick-off on Sunday if Crystal Palace get the better of Cardiff City on Saturday.
However, Hughton insists they can't rely on favours from other teams and will be going to Arsenal with the aim of getting a result.
Their chances of getting something in the capital have been hampered by Davy Propper being ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Hughton also confirmed Jose Izquierdo is unavailable for selection due to a knee problem picked up in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle, meaning Anthony Knockaert could be recalled to the starting XI.
Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of defender Laurent Koscielny after he was forced off against Valencia on Thursday.
It is unclear whether the Frenchman will be back in time for Sunday's match against Brighton at the Emirates, meaning Nacho Monreal could be handed a starting opportunity.
Wales international Aaron Ramsey, who will join Juventus on a free transfer in the summer, has been ruled out for the rest of the season, joining Danny Welbeck, Rob Holding, Denis Suarez and Hector Bellerin in sitting out the remainder of the campaign.
BETTING ANALYSIS
In a game with huge implications on the make-up of the Premier League’s top four, Arsenal host Brighton at the Emirates stadium.
Following a run of three straight Premier League defeats, the pressure is firmly on Arsenal to return to winning ways.
Thankfully for Unai Emery’s men, their top four rivals have also endured a difficult few weeks meaning for all their disappointments, Arsenal are still with a shout of securing a Champions League spot.
Should the Gunners fail to make the top four, they will still have an opportunity to make the Champions League group stages however, it will mean having to win the Europa League.
Brighton, on the other hand, will be coming into this game with the weight of the world being taken off their shoulders. Cardiff’s home loss to Crystal Palace meant that they became the third and last team to endure relegation.
This was certainly good news for Chris Houghton and his men as it means the Seagulls will play in the Premier League next season.
In terms of the betting ahead of this game, the recommendation is to back the hosts. For all their woes, they should be good enough to beat a Brighton side which hasn’t won in eight games across all competitions.
An Arsenal win alongside an Alexandre Lacazette goal is priced at 5/6 and is the recommended bet.
Recommendation
Arsenal to win and Alexandre Lacazette to score – 5/6 PaddyPower*
*prices correct at time of posting and are subject to change
Arsenal v Brighton
PaddyPower Pre-Match Odds: Arsenal 2/7, Draw 9/2, Brighton 9/1*
The Gunners have suffered three consecutive Premier League defeats to leave them two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea heading into their penultimate domestic fixture.
The north Londoners did make a welcome return to form in midweek when they beat Valencia 3-1 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie but boss Unai Emery is keen to put a pin in their European tie in order to focus on the Seagulls.
The Spanish tactician says the top four has to be the club's No.1 priority and claims not to have given much thought to the implications for the club of a third consecutive season without Champions League football.
They should keep their hopes alive against a Brighton side, who have only won once in the Premier League in 2019, while the Seagulls have lost on six of their last seven trips to Arsenal.
Chris Hughton's men did battle to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Amex Stadium in December and, at the time, a relegation battle didn't appear to be on the cards for the Seagulls.
They currently sit four points outside the relegation zone and might be safe from the drop by the time they kick-off on Sunday if Crystal Palace get the better of Cardiff City on Saturday.
However, Hughton insists they can't rely on favours from other teams and will be going to Arsenal with the aim of getting a result.
Their chances of getting something in the capital have been hampered by Davy Propper being ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Hughton also confirmed Jose Izquierdo is unavailable for selection due to a knee problem picked up in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle, meaning Anthony Knockaert could be recalled to the starting XI.
Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of defender Laurent Koscielny after he was forced off against Valencia on Thursday.
It is unclear whether the Frenchman will be back in time for Sunday's match against Brighton at the Emirates, meaning Nacho Monreal could be handed a starting opportunity.
Wales international Aaron Ramsey, who will join Juventus on a free transfer in the summer, has been ruled out for the rest of the season, joining Danny Welbeck, Rob Holding, Denis Suarez and Hector Bellerin in sitting out the remainder of the campaign.
BETTING ANALYSIS
In a game with huge implications on the make-up of the Premier League’s top four, Arsenal host Brighton at the Emirates stadium.
Following a run of three straight Premier League defeats, the pressure is firmly on Arsenal to return to winning ways.
Thankfully for Unai Emery’s men, their top four rivals have also endured a difficult few weeks meaning for all their disappointments, Arsenal are still with a shout of securing a Champions League spot.
Should the Gunners fail to make the top four, they will still have an opportunity to make the Champions League group stages however, it will mean having to win the Europa League.
Brighton, on the other hand, will be coming into this game with the weight of the world being taken off their shoulders. Cardiff’s home loss to Crystal Palace meant that they became the third and last team to endure relegation.
This was certainly good news for Chris Houghton and his men as it means the Seagulls will play in the Premier League next season.
In terms of the betting ahead of this game, the recommendation is to back the hosts. For all their woes, they should be good enough to beat a Brighton side which hasn’t won in eight games across all competitions.
An Arsenal win alongside an Alexandre Lacazette goal is priced at 5/6 and is the recommended bet.
Recommendation
Arsenal to win and Alexandre Lacazette to score – 5/6 PaddyPower*
*prices correct at time of posting and are subject to change
Head to Head Comparison
Arsenal - Last 5 Matches
Brighton and Hove Albion - Last 5 Matches