Arsenal v Brighton – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Arsenal face Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday. The Gunners have won eight successive league matches. The Seagulls have six points from two matches and have three wins in their last seven trips to face the Gunners.

Arsenal Form

The Gunners are in fine form. Last term ended on a six-match winning streak including some big victories: 5-0 vs Chelsea, 3-2 away at Tottenham, and 1-0 at Old Trafford. On the final day, a 2-1 home win over Everton was not enough to win the title as Man City won their match.

This term got underway with a 2-0 home win over Wolves with 18 shots attempted as Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka scored the goals. Last weekend, Mikel Arteta’s team won 2-0 at Aston Villa thanks to two second-half goals in 11 minutes. They needed goalkeeper David Raya to make two key saves.

Arsenal Team News

Takehiro Tomiyasu is not set to play any part in this match whilst Gabriel Jesus is doubtful. The left-back role looks up for grabs between Oleks Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, or new signing Riccardo Calafiori.

Thomas Partey scored last week and is set to keep his place in the XI. Mikel Merino has signed from Real Sociedad and could make his debut from the bench. Leandro Trossard netted off the bench at Villa Park and will hope to start vs. his former club.

Arsenal Motivation

Mikel Arteta’s side will care only about churning out wins and three-point hauls. A draw would be a poor result.

Arsenal will look to dominate the game but may be satisfied to drop off once leading and absorb some Seagulls pressure.

Brighton Form

Brighton’s poor finish to last season saw Roberto De Zerbi sacked. The Seagulls won just once in the final 10 league matches, a 1-0 home victory over Aston Villa. The season finished with a 1-1 draw at Newcastle and a 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea, before a 2-0 home loss to Man Utd on the final day.

After a fine preseason under their new coach, Brighton won 3-0 at ten-man Everton on the opening day with 62% possession. A last-gasp goal sealed a 2-1 home victory over Man Utd in round two with 2.09 xG produced. In midweek, Brighton made light work of Crawley Town in a 4-0 home win in the Carabao Cup.

Brighton Team News

The Seagulls remain with Solly March on the wing. All of Bart Verbruggen, Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey, and Evan Ferguson are available after injuries.

Newly signed Danish international Matt O’Riley was injured on his debut and has gone for ankle surgery. Record-signing striker Georginio Rutter may again have to settle for a bench role with Danny Welbeck leading the line.

Brighton Motivation

The Seagulls have nothing to lose and can take the game to Arsenal. A draw would be a good result on paper.

Brighton will have several excellent impact subs to chase the game including Adingra and Rutter.

Key Stats

Arsenal have won their last 8 league matches (20 goals scored)

Arsenal conceded just 16 league goals at home last season (a tied-best record)

Brighton have won 3 of their last 7 matches away vs Arsenal

Brighton have won their last 2 EPL matches (just 1 win in their last 10 before that)

Verdict

We should see an exciting match here. Arsenal are rock-solid at the back and are capable of winning by more than one goal at the Emirates in this fixture.

Best Bet: Arsenal win (-1 handicap) at 1.90

Alternate Bet: Arsenal win to zero at 2.30

Goalscorer Tip: Kai Havertz to score anytime at 2.25