Renée Slegers' Arsenal could secure their place in next season's edition of the UEFAChampions League**** should they emerge victorious against Brighton on Wednesday evening. With three games in hand, this is not the Gunners' only opportunity of doing just this, but how they would like to do it to avoid a more tense end to the season than required.
But the North London outfit will be under no illusions regarding how tough this clash is set to be after tasting defeat against the Seagulls last month in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Madison Haley and Caitlin Hayes were the goal scorers on the day; Arsenal will be looking for a much more positive outcome this time around.
It was not just in that clash that they impressed, however, as Dario Vidosic's team have found themselves on a strong run of form at the back end of the 2025/26 campaign. They followed the victory over the Gunners with a memorable 3-2 win over league leaders Manchester City.
It also looked for the longest time on the weekend that Brighton would pick up the three points away at Manchester United, only to be denied at the death by a 94th-minute Lea Schüller equaliser. Can Brighton continue this magnificent run and halt Arsenal's Champions League qualification?
Brighton:
Rusul Rosa Kafaji will be sitting this encounter out as the Swede is ineligible to face her parent club. There are multiple options to replace the 22-year-old, but Marisa Olislagers looks the most likely to be named in the starting eleven.
The Seagulls are also without the service of Tahirah Heron and Aisha Masaka for this one. Michelle Agyemang remains the long-term injury for Brighton.
Arsenal:
As for Arsenal, they still have an injury list that consists of Manuela Zinsberger, Katie Reid, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Beth Mead to contend with.
Steph Catley is a touch-and-go case for the Gunners as she nears a return from a calf issue that has kept her out of Arsenal's past four matches.
The positive for the visitors is that Chloe Kelly may just be ready to start after coming on as a substitute against Lyon mid-week.
Predicted Lineups:
Brighton:
Nnadozie; Minami, Hayes, Vanegas; McLauchlan, Noordam, Symonds, Olislagers; Camacho, Kirby, Haley
Arsenal:
Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, McCabe; Little, Caldentey; Kelly, Maanum, Foord; Russo
Key Players
Brighton - Madison Haley:
There are multiple players in the Brighton frontline that Arsenal need to be concerned about on Wednesday, none more so at the moment than Madison Haley. The American has been excellent as of late, finding herself in great form as this season closes out.
With three goals in her last three games, including one that helped down the Gunners in the FA Cup, the 27-year-old has proved she knows where the back of the net is this past month.
Kiko Seike and Fran Kirby, of course, remain very real threats for Arsenal, but with how she has performed as of late, Haley looks like she could prove a real handful on Wednesday.
Arsenal - Alessia Russo
On a night where Arsenal could secure Champions League football yet again, it is hard to look past Alessia Russo. Undoubtedly a player for the big moments, it is hard not to see the striker leaving her mark on this encounter.
Consistency personified for Arsenal, Russo comes off the back of a performance that saw her find the back of the net against Lyonnes, albeit in a defeat.
With twenty goals across all competitions in the 2025/26 season, Russo has proved time and time again that she is one of the most fierce sharpshooters in the world. If she brings her usual quality down south on Wednesday, then Brighton may be in for a long evening.
Match Details
Where is the match being played?
This match will be contested at Broadfield Stadium
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off commences at 19:45 BST
How can I watch?
This match is being shown by both the BBC and Sky Sports