BRIGHTON’S Jack Hinshelwood said his team are “going into the Arsenal game with massive confidence” ahead of the Gunners’ trip to the South Coast tonight.
Arsenal will be looking to win their third consecutive game in the Premier League, as they hunt to stay above Manchester City in the race for the title, now sitting five points clear.
Previously winless in six, Brighton have now won their last two matches against Forest and Brentford respectively, hitting form at the perfect time before playing the league leaders.
When asked about Arsenal after the Forest win, Hinshelwood said “We know they (Arsenal) possess world-class quality, but if we can do what we’ve done in the last two games and add a bit more on top, I think we can more than compete with them.”
The Gunners won 2-1 on the weekend against rivals Chelsea, with both goals coming from corners.
They have now scored 16 goals from corners this season, the most of any team and equalling the most in any Premier League campaign.
When asked about Arsenal’s set-piece threat, Hinshelwood said: “We know when you play Arsenal they possess great set-pieces, but they have great quality out wide, down the middle and all over the pitch – they are top of the league for a reason.
“We know we’re going to have to be on top of our game and I’m sure we will be!”
Tonight’s game is the second in a busy March for the Gunners, who travel to Mansfield on Saturday in the FA Cup on Saturday and Leverkusen for Wednesday night’s round of 16 Champions League tie.
They also play home matches against Everton and the Leverkusen return leg before playing Man City in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
Arsenal beat Brighton 2-1 in the Premier League in December, with David Raya producing a magnificent save to deny Yankuba Minteh and protect the lead.
Martin Odegaard scored that day, but it is unclear whether he will feature against the Seagulls after missing the Chelsea game with a minor injury.
