Arsenal vs Brighton Predictions- Pundits Lawro, Shearer, Merson back Gunners to win

The first Premier League game in GW3 this weekend sees Arsenal host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. Both sides are unbeaten as on GW2, and will be looking to maintain their 100% record. Here is what the pundits feel.

Paul Merson

Merson thinks a win is an “absolute necessity” for the Gunners, and thought they nicked a win off Villa last weekend, with AVFC being the better side in the second half.

Merson adds that while Hurzeler has made a dream start to his life as BHAFC Albion and that his side will make it tough for the Gunners, Mikel Arteta’s men will have “just enough” to come away with all three points. Has gone for a 2-1 Arsenal win.

Chris Sutton

At the BBC, Sutton thinks Arsenal’s GW2 victory was a “bit of a statement” because Villa had done a home and away league double over them in 23/24.

Adds that Brighton are “brave” and “will back themselves” but Arsenal, with home advantage, should win 2-0.

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Lee Carsley’s first England squad 2024- What are the changes from Southgate’s Euro 2024 one?

New interim England manager Lee Carsley has announced his first Three Lions squad for their upcoming fixtures against Ireland and Finland. There are quite a few changes from England’s last squad- the Euro 2024 one by Gareth Southgate, which reached the finals of the Championships before losing to Spain.

Out from England Euro 2024 squad: Aaron Ramsdale, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, Jude Bellingham, Kieran Trippier, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Ivan Toney, Adam Wharton

Note- out includes retired/injured/not selected

New names/inclusions in Carsley squad not present in Euro roster: Nick Pope, Levi Colwill, Toni Livramento, Rico Lewis, Harry Maguire, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jack Grealish and Noni Madueke

First ever England call-ups for Gomes, Gibbs-White, Livramento and Madueke.

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Referee announced for Chelsea vs Crystal Palace- Same one who was in charge of epic 4-3 game v Man Utd

The referee for Chelsea’s weekend clash against Crystal Palace has been officially announced as Jarred Gillett. The 37-year-old Australian was in charge of Arsenal’s 2-0 opening day win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, and was also the man in the middle for the Community Shield clash between Man Utd and Man City earlier this month- a fixture the Citizens won on penalties.

Blues fans will remember him as the ref for their epic league clash against Manchester United last season- a seven goal thriller that the hosts won after Cole Palmer scored in the 100th and 101st minutes.

Chelsea have a pretty decent record under Gillett as referee- they’ve lost only once in 7 games with him in charge.

Jarred Gillett Referee

CFC games with Jarred Gillett as referee

Chelsea 4-3 Man Utd (2023/24)
Brentford 2-2 Chelsea (2023/24)

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