English giants Arsenal will travel to the Amex Stadium to square up to Brighton and Hove Albion in their next Premier League clash on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s men started the year with a bang, as they prevailed in their first PL game of 2025 against Brentford. Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino were enough to help them secure a 3-1 comeback victory.
They have now reduced the gap with Liverpool down to six points, having played a game more. But looking at their rivals sublime form, the Gunners need to be perfect from here in order to maintain their momentum. They travel to South with a 12-game unbeaten run.
Arsenal can’t afford to slip any further since that can have a drastic impact on how their season ends. Meanwhile, the Seagulls need to pick up the pace as they have stalled after a bright start to the season.
Forward together for the next test ✊ pic.twitter.com/EcJcBW5tXV
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 3, 2025
They are stuck at the 10th spot on the back of their 2-2 draw against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. Also, they head to the weekend contest without a win in seven matches. Injuries have affected Fabian Hurzeler’s side, but they have proved their worth against the big six in the past.
Head-to-head record:
Games played: 31
Arsenal wins: 17
Brighton and Hove Albion wins: 8
Draws: 6
Both clubs have started facing each other more often in the past few years thanks to the Seagulls now establishing themselves as a powerful Premier League force. Although history favoured the visitors, the home side has given them a run for their money.
Arsenal’s first game of the 2024-25 season against the Seagulls ended in a 1-1 draw. But the match ended in controversy as Declan Rice was sent off for delaying the game.
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Arteta’s men emerged victorious in both games against the Seagulls in the 2023-24 campaign. Brighton have a better record at the Emirates Stadium, but they have to improve their numbers at their home turf as well.
Team News:
Kai Havertz missed the last game, but he is likely to start this time with Gabriel Jesus upfront. Ethan Nwaneri played well on the right flank, and Arteta could use him at the same spot.
Thomas Partey is likely to operate as a right-back due to Jurrien Timber’s suspension. Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Raheem Sterling are sidelined for this contest.
The best of Ethan Nwaneri v Brentford ✨ pic.twitter.com/EEaZi56uz7
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 2, 2025
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Meanwhile, the Seagulls could welcome back Pervis Estupinan and Adam Webster for the weekend encounter. But Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner, and Ferdi Kadioglu have little chance to return.
Danny Welbeck has also been ruled out, and he will miss out on playing against his former side.
Predicted Arsenal lineup:
David Raya, Thomas Partey, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli
Predicted Brighton lineup:
Bart Verbruggen, Joel Veltman, Jan Paul Van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Pervis Estupinan, Carlos Baleba, Matt O’Riley, Yankuna Minteh, Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma, Georginio Rutter
Our Prediction:
We expect the Gunners to finish on top but their opponents will fight hard to end their long winless run. A victory is must for the away side and they can then wait for the result of Liverpool’s tricky game against Manchester United. The fans will hope that the leaders lose points and help Arsenal move closer to the top spot.
Our predicted scoreline: Brighton 0-2 Arsenal
