Live updates from the Emirates, kick-off 4.30pm (BST)Xhaka happy to host Brighton but rues repeat of Arsenal’s tricky travelsFeel free to email Will or tweet @Will_Unwin 3.54pm BST The bad news for Arsenal is that Chelsea have just eased their way past Watford to leave them five points clear of the Gunners going prior to kick-off. A victory for Arsenal here will leave them one point off arch rivals Spurs going into the final round of fixtures, so there is plenty to play for. 3.49pm BST Arsenal’s inspirational captain .Our captain today?That's @MesutOzil1088 ©#WeveGotOzil pic.twitter.com/VjLjdzXpPB 3.47pm BST What sort of mood will the two sides be in? Arsenal have a crucial Europa League semi-final second leg in the week, which is their best route to the Champions League at the moments, so their foot might be off the accelerator.Brighton, on the other hand, will be relieved that their Premier League status is secure for another season. They looked to have felt the strain over a long season of poor results, summed up by their thrashing at home against Bournemouth. Without relegation being in their minds, they could actually be free to do as they wish against an Arsenal side who cannot defend. 3.39pm BST Your man, Granit Xhaka . Related: Xhaka happy to host Brighton but rues repeat of Arsenal’s tricky travels 3.34pm BST Arsenal: Leno, Lichtsteiner, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal, Torreira, Xhaka, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Aubameyang, LacazetteSubs: Cech, Koscielny, Kolasinac, Elneny Guendouzi, Iwobi, Nketiah 12.41pm BST They are safe, the deck chairs are out and there is seemingly nothing to play for … or at least that’s what Arsenal’s recent Premier League form has suggested. The Gunners, like everyone else vying for fourth place, are stumbling over the line like a man running the marathon dressed as the Elizabeth Tower (I mean Big Ben but I am being pedantic). Unai Emery’s side have lost their last three domestic matches to Crystal Palace, Wolves and Leicester in honour of mid-1990s First Division play-off contestants. Despite all this desire to combust and fail, Arsenal are still in with a shout of snatching fourth but they really need to win today against Brighton. Continue reading
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Source: TheGuardian
