Arsenal prepare to face Brighton this afternoon at the Emirates Stadium with the league leaders looking to maintain their two-point advantage at the summit of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta's side are also aiming to extend their impressive home winning streak that has seen them claim victory in all of their last 10 matches across all competitions at their north London fortress.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match
The Gunners head into this fixture following their dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals during midweek, with Marc Guehi's 95th-minute equalizer forcing spot kicks after Maxence Lacroix's late own goal had seemingly settled the contest.
Arsenal ultimately prevailed in the shootout to book their place in the semi-finals and keep their potential quadruple very much alive.
Brighton arrive in the capital off the back of their most difficult spell of the season, having failed to win any of their last four matches across all competitions — including defeats to Aston Villa and Liverpool alongside draws with West Ham and Sunderland.
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Fabian Hürzeler has watched his team slip to ninth despite an encouraging start to the campaign that saw them climb as high as fifth following victories over Man City, Newcastle and Chelsea during autumn.
Danny Welbeck's absence through injury has coincided with their failure to find the net, with the former Arsenal striker having contributed seven Premier League goals this season and sitting just three strikes shy of his best ever return in the competition.
However, Hurzeler has confirmed that Welbeck will return to the squad for this afternoon's clash against his old employers, where he enjoyed seven years and won three FA Cups after departing Man United in 2014.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring their second goal
The defensive solidity that has become Arsenal's trademark has also been threatened by the ongoing absence of Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White through injury, with Gabriel expected to be out a little while longer as he continues his rehab and yet to resume training.
That isn't the sum of their backline shortage either.
Summer signing Piero Hincapie picked up a shoulder injury against Everton, and it remains to be seen whether the Ecuadorian will be available this afternoon.
Speaking of Hincapie, there's been an intriguing update on his future this week.
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Spanish media sources now indicate that Barcelona sporting director Deco has identified three centre-backs as potential targets for the summer, with the La Liga champions looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of next season.
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As per these reports from Spain, Hincapie features prominently on Barcelona's shortlist, with the 23-year-old having impressed since joining Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen on an initial loan.
The versatile ace has started constantly in recent weeks due to the injury crisis affecting Arsenal's backline, demonstrating his quality on the ball that makes him equally comfortable operating as a left-sided centre-back or as a full-back.
Hincapie-Arsenal
Barcelona view Hincapie as an ideal long-term investment given his age and potential, with Deco particularly attracted by the 'big name' defender's speed, technical ability and the versatility that allows him to slot into multiple defensive positions — viewing him as an 'ideal' signing.
The South American's situation also interests Barça, with sources now suggesting that if Arsenal do not trigger the £45 million option to buy in his loan deal, Hincapie could become an increasingly attractive target.
This interest from one of European football's powerhouses serves as testament to the impression Hincapie has made at N5, despite making a slow start due to injury.
Arsenal-Hincapie
For Arsenal, losing Hincapie would represent a significant blow to their defensive depth, and Arteta has worked meticulously to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts throughout a demanding campaign.
It is hard to envisage sporting director Andrea Berta green-lighting any move to Barça at this stage, but Arsenal must first activate the permanent deal clause in his contract.
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