Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 77/100
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Arsenal’s first trip outside of London in over two months sees them journey to the South Coast for a Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening. Both teams head into this encounter buoyed by promising results in their previous outings.
Mikel Arteta’s side started 2025 with a convincing 3-1 win over Brentford, showcasing their title ambitions with a clinical display. Meanwhile, Brighton earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, clawing back from a deficit to secure a vital point, demonstrating their resilience and attacking flair under Fabian Hurzeler.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers appeared to ground the Seagulls after Simon Adingra’s opener for Fabian Hurzeler’s side. However, Brighton found salvation from an unexpected source in Tariq Lamptey, whose spectacular late equalizer salvaged a 2-2 draw and ensured the Seagulls ended 2024 with a share of the spoils.
The dramatic conclusion at Villa Park marked Brighton’s third consecutive draw, following similar stalemates against Brentford and West Ham United over the festive period. While Hurzeler’s men have struggled to turn single points into maximum hauls, their resilience and knack for late heroics offer promise for the battles ahead.
Brighton’s pursuit of European football has lost considerable momentum, with the Seagulls enduring a seven-match winless run that leaves them mid-table and five points behind Newcastle United, who currently occupy the Europa League berth.
Hurzeler’s side has developed a habit of sharing the spoils, leading the league with an unmatched nine draws this season. The Brighton boss now stands on the brink of an unusual Premier League milestone, as he could become the first manager since 1999 to oversee 10 draws in his first 20 matches in charge.
One of those earlier stalemates came against Arsenal at the Emirates, a match overshadowed by Declan Rice’s controversial red card. However, the Gunners have enjoyed their recent trips to the Amex Stadium, prevailing on their last two visits and netting three or more goals each time. Arsenal will hope to extend that streak and keep their title aspirations alive against a Brighton side in search of inspiration.
Team News
Hurzeler is hopeful of having Pervis Estupinan back in action against Arsenal, with the Ecuadorian left-back overcoming the illness that sidelined him against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Adam Webster has a slight chance of returning after missing 13 matches due to a hamstring injury, and Jack Hinshelwood is nearing a comeback from a knee problem.
However, the Seagulls will be without several key players, including Danny Welbeck (ankle), Mats Wieffer (leg), Evan Ferguson (ankle), James Milner (hamstring), and Ferdi Kadioglu (toe).
Additionally, while the January transfer window sees Diego Gomez officially join from Inter Miami in an £11m deal, the midfielder will not be in contention for his debut this weekend.
Arsenal
Arsenal entered 2025 continuing their impressive Premier League form, building on a remarkable haul of 85 points in the previous calendar year—more than any other side. The Gunners wasted no time making their mark on the new year, claiming the first three points available with a commanding 3-1 victory over Brentford.
Arsenal’s recent defensive frailties on the road were laid bare early against Brentford when Bryan Mbeumo struck, but the Gunners’ attacking prowess quickly turned the tide. Gabriel Jesus restored parity before Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli’s quickfire strikes secured a valuable 3-1 victory.
Despite their fourth consecutive win across all competitions and a third straight Premier League triumph, Arsenal remain six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who also hold a game in hand. While the Gunners continue to maintain pressure on the summit, they must rely on other teams to disrupt Arne Slot’s dominant side.
Mikel Arteta’s team has gone 12 games unbeaten, winning nine, underlining their consistency and professionalism. However, Saturday’s clash with Brighton marks a rare venture outside London for Arsenal, their first since a resounding 5-1 Champions League victory over Sporting Lisbon on November 26. This fixture breaks a remarkable streak of nine consecutive matches played in the capital—an unprecedented run in the club’s history.
Team News
Arsenal’s defensive depth will be tested yet again, as Jurrien Timber’s suspension adds to the existing right-back injury woes with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both sidelined due to knee injuries. Thomas Partey is expected to deputize as a makeshift fullback, unless Arteta opts for a bold move by starting 18-year-old Joshua Nichols.
Kai Havertz, who missed the Brentford win due to illness, could return to the starting XI.
Injuries to Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Raheem Sterling (knee) persist, leaving Arteta with limited options on the attacking flanks. While Ethan Nwaneri was handed his first Premier League start against Brentford, the quick turnaround might prompt Arteta to opt for a more experienced option to freshen up the front line against Brighton.
Conclusion
Arsenal will have a tough game at the Amex to navigate through, but their quality and depth should prove sufficient to prevent Liverpool from getting away in the title race at Brighton’s expense.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 77/100
Bookmaker: ZetBet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
