Albion face the Premier League leaders at the Emirates Stadium in the third round of the EFL Cup, off the back of two successive league wins.
Saturday’s 3-2 win over Wolves came seven days after a memorable 4-1 win against Chelsea at the Amex Stadium, giving De Zerbi his first victories as Brighton manager since taking the job back in September, ending a five game winless streak.
De Zerbi will now be preparing for his first taste of English cup football and could not ask for a sterner first test then Mikel Arteta’s side.
Albion qualified for the next stage of this competition after beating League One Forest Green 3-0 at the New Lawn back in August – thanks to goals from Deniz Undav, Steven Alzate and Evan Ferguson.
Round three sees the introduction of all English clubs playing in Europe – including the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Gunners have been flying this season, winning 11 of their 13 league games and topping their group to qualify for the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.
Both teams are expected to maker changes to their victorious sides at the weekend, after Arsenal reclaimed top spot with a dominant 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
For Brighton, Joel Veltman is expected to return to the starting line-up, having had issues with his calf ever since the Manchester City game two weeks ago.
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The game may also offer an opportunity for fringe players to impress De Zerbi, as new signing Billy Gilmour is expected to make his first start for the club since completing his summer move from Chelsea.
Here is how SussexWorld expect Brighton to line-up against Arsenal on Wednesday….