Match Previews

U23 Preview: Back In Action Against Arsenal Tonight

By Kieran Cleeves • 07 January 2019

Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s play their opening match of 2019 at The People’s Pension Stadium this evening, when Arsenal travel south in the Premier League 2 Division 1, kick-off 7pm.

The Seagulls ended 2018 with a 4-2 victory over West Ham United on the road, which left Simon Rusk’s side in third position over the festive break.

Tonight’s opponents are six points and five places behind Albion after 13 matches, and the Gunners were denied all three points late on when the Seagulls visited the Emirates Stadium back in August.

Reiss Nelson curled the hosts into a 1-0 lead in the 86th minute, but Albion’s top goalscorer Aaron Connolly found the back of the net in the 90th minute to secure a hard-earned share of the spoils.

Albion have taken 12 points from their previous six league matches, scoring 13 goals along the way. The Gunners are without a victory in the same period of time, losing their four most recent games.

Connolly — top goalscorer in the Premier League 2 Division 1 — reached 17 goals for the season against Swansea City in November, and the Irishman will be keen to add to his tally against the Gunners this evening.

Albion supporters can follow a live text blog from the game via the Match Centre, with a report and gallery being uploaded after the game.

Ticket info:

Season ticket holders can gain free admission at the turnstiles on presentation of their season cards, otherwise entry is priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions and under-16s.