Our under-21s return to Premier League 2 Division One football this weekend for the first time since the end of September, when we drew 1-1 at Everton.
Sunday’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion will kick-off at 2pm at Meadow Park, and ahead of the game, here is everything you need to know:
Previously…
Since that draw on Merseyside, Mehmet Ali’s young Gunners put five past Exeter City without reply at St James’ Park in the EFL Trophy.
Many of the same players were also involved in our under-19s’ 1-0 defeat to RC Lens and 2-1 loss at Sevilla in the UEFA Youth League.
We are currently fourth in the PL2 table with 13 points from six games, putting us five points behind league leaders Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Friday night.
Seagulls flying high
Like us, Brighton have won four, drawn one and lost one this season to earn 13 points. They’re unbeaten in their last five games in the league since losing on the opening day 4-2 at home to Leeds United, however, Brighton did lose their most recent game - a 3-1 defeat to Swansea City in the Premier League Cup.
Elsewhere, the Seagulls beat Valencia 3-2 in the Premier League International Cup as well as Walsall’s first team 3-2 in the EFL Trophy.
Mark O’Mahony is the team’s top scorer with nine goals in all competitions so far this season.
Last time we met
We shared a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brighton at Meadow Park on April 14 earlier this year. The Seagulls went 2-0 up courtesy of goals from Jamie Mullins and Luca Barrington, but Ben Cottrell pulled one back for us before Amario Cozier-Duberry netted the equaliser.
Just two minutes later, Cameron Peupion was on the scoresheet as Brighton took the lead again, but a 78th-minute equalising goal from Catalin Cirjan ensured a point apiece.
How to follow
We will be providing updates throughout the game on our Arsenal Academy Twitter page, and there will be a match report published on Arsenal.com after the final whistle.
We will also be sharing post-match interviews with Mehmet Ali and one of his young Gunners, as well as highlights of all the action.
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