Brighton v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Brighton host Arsenal in the English Premier League on Saturday. The Seagulls are not at their best right now, whilst the Gunners have 28 points from their last league matches. Brighton have won three of their five clashes vs Mikel Arteta’s team.

Brighton Form

Brighton have won just three times in their last 11 league matches. Since winning 5-0 at ten-man Sheffield United in February, it’s just two wins in eight matches in all competitions. A 1-1 draw at Everton preceded three away defeats: 1-0 vs Wolves (FA Cup), 3-0 at Fulham and 4-0 at AS Roma.

They bounced back to beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at home and Roma 1-0 in the second at the Amex Stadium. A 2-1 loss at Liverpool was deserved as they were outshot 30-9. In midweek, they were dominant away to Brentford in a 0-0 draw. Brighton had 24 shots and 67% possession.

Brighton Team News

Roberto De Zerbi remains without key wingers Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma for the next few months. Jack Hinshelwood and James Milner are doubtful, and Billy Gilmour is ruled out.

There could be some changes in the attack. Joao Pedro returned from injury on Wednesday and Danny Welbeck could return to the XI too. Left-back Pervis Estupinan is another set to return to the starting lineup.

Brighton Motivation

Brighton have dropped to ninth in the table but could finish as high as sixth. They will attack Arsenal and look to beat the Gunners as they’ve done in the recent past.

De Zerbi’s side won’t sit back and the coach has a chance to raise his profile with a win here.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal are in great form with nine wins in the last ten league matches. They plundered 33 goals across eight wins on the bounce in the EPL, putting six goals past West Ham and Sheffield United and five past Burnley in that run. A 2-1 home win over Brentford saw a late winner.

The Gunners then beat FC Porto on penalties after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. They won the home league 1-0 after losing 1-0 in Portugal. A 0-0 draw at Man City last weekend saw just one shot on target allowed. On Wednesday, two first-half goals sealed a 2-0-win vs Luton as a dull second half saw Mikel Arteta’s team only produce 0.07 xG.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta still can’t call upon Jurrien Timber in defence. He made five changes in midweek and could recall Jorginho and Declan Rice in midfield with Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe dropping out.

Gabriel Jesus may need to settle for a spot on the bench with Bukayo Saka set to return and Gabriel Martinelli nearing the fitness required to start. Reiss Nelson will revert to the substitutes bench. Jakub Kiwior is set to return at left back.

Arsenal Motivation

Every single match is a must-win since that draw vs Man City. Arsenal will see a draw as a very poor result, even at Brighton.

Arteta’s side are capable of being pragmatic and absorbing pressure and they may take that approach at the Amex Stadium.

Key Stats

Brighton have won just 3 of their last 11 EPL matches.

Brighton are unbeaten in 12 home EPL matches (6 wins, 6 draws)

Arsenal have won 9 of their last 10 EPL matches (35 goals scored)

Arsenal have lost 3 of their last 5 matches vs Brighton.

Arsenal have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 7 league matches.

Verdict

This is likely to be a hard-fought match. Brighton aren’t free flowing right now and the Gunners are very difficult to break down. A win to zero could be on the cards for the visitors.