Prediction: Arsenal vs Brighton

Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides who will be looking to extend on their 100% start, Arsenal will welcome Brighton to the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have eventually fallen short last season in the race to get their hands on a first domestic crown since 2004, the Gunners have only continued from where they left off back in May. Opening proceedings on August 17th with a routine 2-0 victory at home against Wolves, Mikel Arteta’s squad also laid down an early marker last weekend. Picking up what was an eye-catching 2-0 win away at Champions League outfit Aston Villa, Saturday’s hosts will be looking to extend on their 100% start here. Gaining a real reputation for their defensive steel, the Gunners have now won all of their previous eight Premier League appearances continuing on from last season. It should also be highlighted, Arteta’s side have suffered just a single Premier League defeat at the Emirates throughout 2024.

Team News

Arriving from Real Sociedad earlier in the week for a reported fee in the region of £31million, Mikel Merino could make his Arsenal debut on Saturday lunchtime. However, missing out away at Aston Villa last weekend with a groin issue, former Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus remains a doubt here.

Opening his Premier League account against Wolves on August 17th, England international Bukayo Saka will play a leading role in the final third. Getting on the scoresheet at Villa Park last weekend, Thomas Partey should partner Declan Rice in the middle of the park.

Brighton

As for the visitors, getting a new era underway this summer following the arrival of Fabian Hurzeler, the Seagulls are certainly enjoying life under the former St. Pauli boss. Opening the 2024/25 campaign with a 3-0 romp away at Everton, Saturday’s guests have come flying out of the traps. Snatching a sensational last-gasp 2-1 victory against Manchester United last week, Hurzeler’s camp should be relishing a trip to the north London here. Extending on their EFL Cup adventure earlier in the week as they stormed their way to a 4-0 victory against Crawley, the Seagulls have also impressed with their clinical performances in the final third. However, losing their back-to-back Premier League showdowns against Arsenal last season by an aggregate score of 5-0, Hurzeler’s side do have a real challenge on their hands this weekend.

Team News

Limping off against Crawley after suffering an injury issue just nine minutes into his Brighton debut, summer recruit and former Celtic star Matt O’Riley is not expected to feature here. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Evan Ferguson, Solly March and Pervis Estupinan will not travel to north London.

Opening the new campaign with back-to-back Premier League strikes, former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck will lead Brighton’s charge in the capital. While Bart Verbruggen might have returned between the sticks in midweek, Jason Steele should start between the sticks here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Arsenal and Brighton last met back on April 6th, the Gunners collected a 3-0 victory at the Amex.
• Arsenal won their two top-flight showdowns against Brighton last season by an aggregate score of 5-0.
• The Gunners have collected nine points from their previous four Premier League meetings against Saturday’s guests.
• Arsenal and Brighton are two of just four Premier League clubs that hold a 100% record from the opening two top-flight appearances.
• Five of the last six meetings between Arsenal and Brighton have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Arsenal might be face a stern challenge when they return to north London on Saturday lunchtime, the Gunners will be looking to make another statement here. Picking up an eye-catching 2-0 victory away at Champions League returners Aston Villa, Arteta’s side will be excited by a dominant recent record against the Seagulls. Along with collecting nine points from their previous four Premier League battles, Arsenal won their two top-flight showdowns last season by an aggregate score of 5-0.

Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Dachbet