Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard expects a big test today against Brighton.

Odegaard wrote in his match programme notes: "I don't think I've ever played a match on my birthday before, not since I was a kid anyway probably, so it's a new one for me. Hopefully we can make it one to remember this afternoon.

"Ever since I've been in England, Brighton have always been one of the strong teams, always fighting in the top half of the table, and again this season they have shown their qualities and how dangerous they can be. We need to be ready for another tough game against another tough opposition today.

"It will be a good challenge and I think it could be similar to the games we've played lately because there will be a lot of man-to-man situations. They are a very good team in possession, they know their system well, but for us we have to win to stay in the fight at the top of the table. We know Brighton as a side that plays good football and are very intense. They play on the front foot, their movement is always very effective, and they like to put you under pressure with their high press.

"They have quality throughout the team, and also with Brighton you always know there will be a lot of energy from them off the ball. All over the pitch they put their plans in place, so we'll have to be alive tactically today as well."