The Gunners saw off Port Vale in their opening fixture to avoid an upset, while Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton made headlines with back-to-back 6-0 victories, most recently dismantling Barnsley in style.
By the time May arrives, Mikel Arteta will hope Arsenal’s campaign includes more than just EFL Cup success, though his side currently look capable of challenging across every competition. The North Londoners haven’t lifted the League Cup since 1993, but Arteta’s squad depth gives them an excellent chance to finally end that long drought.
Arsenal were made to work for their 2-0 win over Port Vale in the third round, with Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard on target. Eze was the hero again last weekend, scoring the only goal against his former club Crystal Palace in a tight Premier League London derby.
It’s been a joyful October for Arsenal fans. As rivals Liverpool and Manchester City stumbled, the Gunners opened up a four-point gap at the top of the table, with Bournemouth surprisingly emerging as their nearest challengers. Arteta’s men are unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions, winning seven in a row and keeping five straight clean sheets — a run that highlights both their attacking rhythm and defensive solidity.
However, Brighton’s recent cup exploits suggest Arsenal’s backline could be tested.
Whatever happens on Wednesday, Brighton have already made EFL Cup history. They are the first team ever to win consecutive matches in the competition by six or more goals. The Seagulls first dismantled Oxford United 6-0, then repeated the feat against Barnsley. Diego Gomez starred in that tie, netting four times — becoming the first player to score four goals in an away EFL Cup match since Julio Baptista did it for Arsenal against Liverpool in 2007.
Yet, history is not entirely on Brighton’s side. The club has not reached the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup since 1979, and they’ve been knocked out in the fourth round four times over the past five seasons.
Their momentum also took a hit last weekend with a 4-2 Premier League defeat to Manchester United, ending a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Still, Brighton fans will remember their last visit to the Emirates fondly. In 2022-23, the Seagulls eliminated Arsenal from the EFL Cup in this very round, and both league meetings between the sides last season ended in draws, proof that they know how to frustrate the Gunners.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Arsenal’s hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace came at a cost, with several key players picking up injuries. William Saliba, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Martinelli all suffered knocks during the match. However, Rice and Calafiori have since been cleared to play, while Saliba and Martinelli have joined long-term absentees Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus on Arsenal’s growing injury list.
Saliba had previously partnered Cristhian Mosquera in the third-round win over Port Vale, but with his absence, Piero Hincapie is expected to make his full debut. Meanwhile, 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman might have to make way for Ethan Nwaneri to start on the right wing.
On the Brighton side, Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman, and Brajan Gruda were not fit to face Manchester United last weekend and remain unavailable for the trip to the Emirates. Jack Hinshelwood, Solly March, and Adam Webster are also still out with long-term injuries, and veteran midfielder James Milner is sidelined after sustaining a muscle problem against United.
Given the quality of the opposition and Brighton’s limited options, Fabian Hurzeler is unlikely to make too many changes to his lineup. However, Diego Gomez, who starred in their previous cup match against Barnsley, is expected to be in contention for a starting spot.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Merino; Nwaneri, Gyokeres, Trossard
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Steele; Wieffer, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Gomez, Rutter, Minteh; Welbeck
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
