Prediction: Arsenal vs Brighton

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make a Premier League title statement on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will welcome Brighton to the Emirates.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have eventually been forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Dutch giants PSV earlier in the week, Mikel Arteta’s side breezed their way to the Champions League knockout stage without breaking much of a sweat. With some tipping the Gunners as a genuine European contender this season, they will know the importance of making a domestic statement here. Suffering a 1-0 loss at the hands of a high-flying Aston Villa last weekend as they sacrificed their spot at the top of the Premier League table, the one-time Manchester City coach will certainly be excited to make a return to home soil on Sunday afternoon. Continuing to shine in north London, Arsenal have won all of their previous six straight home fixtures across all competitions by an aggregate score of 18-2.

Team News

Dealing with a recent groin issue and not featuring since returning from November’s international break, Arenal are once again expected to be without Fabio Vieira here. Likewise, still on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury, summer recruit and ex-Ajax defender Jurrien Timber will not play any part on Sunday afternoon.

Finding the net away at PSV earlier in the week and notching a maiden Champions League strike, England international Eddie Nketiah will be hoping to keep his spot leading Arteta’s attack in north London.

Brighton

As for the visitors, storming their way to the Europa League knockout stage and signing off their group stage adventure with a 1-0 win against Marseille in midweek, Brighton have once again continued to receive a string of plaudits. While Roberto De Zerbi’s men might have been seeking some domestic stability over the past couple of months, the former Sassuolo boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Despite being tipped as an underdog contender on Sunday afternoon, the Seagulls should be excited by a remarkable winning run at the Emirates. Including a famous 3-0 romp when they travelled to north London back on May 14th, Brighton have won all of their previous three trips to the capital by an aggregate score of 8-2.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term calf injury and not expected to feature over the next few months, Brighton will travel to north London without Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, De Zerbi’s side are still unable to call upon the lies of Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey, Danny Welbeck and Julio Encisco.

Handed a full rest against Marseille earlier in the week, Ireland international could be handed a full recall at the Emirates. Former Anderlecht shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen should return between the sticks and replace Jason Steele.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Arsenal and Brighton last met back on May 14th, Brighton claimed a stunning 3-0 romp at the Emirates.
• Likewise, the Seagulls have remarkably won all of their previous three trips to north London by an aggregate score of 8-2.
• Arsenal have won their last six straight home fixtures across all competitions by an aggregate score of 18-2.
• Brighton have failed to muster a single Premier League clean sheet away from the Amex since opening up the 2023/24 campaign.
• The last four meetings between Sunday’s opponents have produced 16 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

While Arsenal might know the importance of making a title statement here, the Gunners will be concerned by a nightmare record against Sunday’s guests. Remarkably losing all of their previous three showdowns against the Seagulls in north London, we could be treated to an enjoyable Premier League battle this weekend. With three of the last four meetings between Arsenal and Brighton seeing both teams find the net by the final whistle, we are expecting a similar outcome at the Emirates.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Luckster