ARSENAL left their domestic blues behind with a rousing win over Valencia in midweek that saw them put one foot in the Europa League Final.
After shipping nine goals in their last three Premier League games, it looked like the Gunners were in for another harrowing night when the Spanish side took an early lead at the Emirates.
But Unai Emery's side bounced back in style, with Alexandre Lacazette netting twice before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's strike gave them some breathing space heading to the Mestalla.
In the build-up to that Euro clash, Emery admitted winning the Europa League probably offered a more realistic chance of sealing a Champions League slot for next term than finishing in the top four.
With just two Premier League games to play, the Gunners trail fourth-placed Chelsea, potential opponents in the Europa League Final, by two points.
They will know Chelsea's result against Watford by the time they step on to the pitch against Brighton and if the Blues have slipped up it will give Arsenal a massive boost.
It will be interesting to see if Emery rests some of his big hitters with the second leg of the Euro semi looming on the horizon.
I backed Lacazette to score against Valencia and he duly delivered but the Frenchman could be given a breather for this one, giving Arsenal are facing a Brighton side in dismal form.
The Seagulls ground out a crucial 1-1 draw with Newcastle last week and that point could secure safety if Cardiff lose at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
If that's the case then the pressure will be off at the Emirates but a Cardiff win will cut the gap to just one point and heap it back on.
It's now eight games without a win for Chris Hughton's side and they've only scored one goal throughout that horror run. Given Arsenal's incredibly ropey defence, I'd usually back both teams to score in their games but Brighton are so poor up front that I can't see them scoring here.
A Gunners win with a clean sheet is available at 29/20 with Ladbrokes and I'll be having a bite at that.
A few fringe players should get a run-out for the Gunners ahead of the Euro return so there's a bit of value to be had in the goalscorer markets.
Alex Iwobi looks overpriced at 11/2 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer while Henrikh Mhkitaryan also appeals at 15/8 with Boylesports.
Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny is available, despite limping off against Valencia, but I've a feeling he might get a rest anyway.
Brighton have winger Jose Izquierdo and midfielder Davy Propper out and it could be a long afternoon for them if Arsenal get an early goal. 888 Sport are offering 13/8 on over 2.5 Gunners goals and that looks a good bet.
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton will be played on May 5, 2019 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Brighton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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