Prediction: Arsenal vs Brighton

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 16/5

Bookmaker: bet365

Midweek Premier League football isn’t something that comes around every single day, but this week is an exception as we gear up for a full set of fixtures from English football’s top flight. The hectic December period has begun and every single team will want to make an impact, with two such examples being Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion. They may have different ambitions, but they’re actually much closer to one another in terms of quality right now than you might think.

Arsenal

The sacking of Unai Emery was welcomed by many Arsenal fans, but the promise of something fresh and new doesn’t really seem to correlate with Freddie Ljungberg. With that in mind you’d have to imagine they’ll be going in search of a new man to take the helm sooner rather than later, especially if they’re serious about making a sustained push for the top four. Either way, the Seagulls aren’t the sort of team that the hosts can afford to overlook.

Team News

Pepe is tipped to feature in some form in this game with Bellerin and Tierney both pushing for a start. Torreira is another name that is expected to benefit from the change in management.

Brighton

Brighton are in the top half one week and lingering towards the bottom three the next – such is the nature of their inconsistency. Graham Potter is still attempting to find his feet in the role which is to be expected, but he can’t afford to allow this losing streak to continue for much longer. Surviving for another year feels like the priority before they’re able to really kick on and solidify themselves as Premier League regulars, but in this game, they’ll know that there’s a real opportunity for an upset.

Team News

Izquierdo and Bernardo are out of action with March being a doubt in regards to his fitness. Trossard and Maupay are two names that are expected to make a push for a place in the starting XI.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in May, Brighton & Arsenal drew 1-1.
• Arsenal have drawn four and lost two of their last six games.
• Brighton have won two and lost four of their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored seven goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
• Brighton have scored eight goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Brighton are scrappy and we think they’re going to turn this game into a bit of a dog fight. Arsenal are going to need some time before they fully get their mojo back, and that’s why we’re backing the draw here. It probably isn’t going to be the most attractive game of football in the world on either side of the ball, and while this isn’t the sort of result that’s going to increase the desire to see Ljungberg get the job on a permanent basis, we also don’t think it’ll hurt him as much as you’d think.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 16/5

Bookmaker: bet365