Brighton vs Arsenal: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite Brighton & Hove Albion remaining unbeaten in their last three matches, the Seagulls are winless in their previous seven following their 2-2 draw away at Aston Villa. The hosts are also winless in their last three on home soil, which includes a 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.

Arsenal are coming into this game 11 games unbeaten in all competitions and with four consecutive wins under their belt, following an impressive 3-1 win against Brentford away from home. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last five away league matches, with three wins and two draws.

The visitors have recorded impressive victories on their travels against West Ham United (2-5), Crystal Palace (1-5) and Brentford. The Gunners are unbeaten in the last three meetings, with Over 2.5 goals landing in five of the previous seven meetings between the two teams, and we are backing them to continue this success – Brighton 1-2 Arsenal

Brighton host Arsenal in the Premier League looking to get back on track after a winless streak, while the visitors are aiming to keep pace at the top of the table.

Date: 04/01/24

Kick-off time: 17:30

Venue: Amex Stadium

The hosts Brighton had enjoyed a strong start to the season, but have struggled of late with a lack of wins. The Seagulls are now winless in seven games, a stretch of form which has seen them fall to 10th place. This run has included five draws, which means they have not fallen too far behind the European places. With 27 points, they are just three behind Bournemouth in seventh and five adrift of the top five.

Arsenal still have title aspirations despite Liverpool’s growing lead at the top, which currently stands at six, with a game in hand for the Reds. It is a mountain to climb for the Gunners, but a win this weekend will keep them in the race. Mikel Arteta’s side are in good form as they are unbeaten in their last nine league games.

Although Arsenal will be without their most dangerous attacking threat in Bukayo Saka, they should have confidence in breaching a home defence which has kept just one clean sheet in 11. In the absence of Saka, there will be more of a load placed upon the shoulders of Gabriel Martinelli, who has scored five goals. It also opens the door for youngster Ethan Nwaneri, who was given his first start last time out at Brentford.

Fabian Hurzeler’s team have scored in all but one of their last 15 games, despite the lack of recent victories. However, they come up against the league’s best defence, who have conceded 17 goals. Although, the visitors have not kept a clean sheet in the last seven games on their travels. Brighton will likely be without top scorer Danny Welbeck, but will look to Joao Pedro, who has not had much success recently. The Brazilian forward is hoping to snap a seven-game scoreless streak in the Premier League.

There have been 10 Premier League meetings between these two sides since 2020. Arsenal edge the recent head-to-head with five wins to Brighton’s three and two draws. However, the Seagulls are on a three-game winless streak against their opponents, and have scored just one goal in this period. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended honours even at the Emirates with a 1-1 draw. A Kai Havertz goal was cancelled out by Joao Pedro, after Declan Rice was sent off.

Brighton vs Arsenal will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event & Football.

Brighton

Danny Welbeck and Ferdi Kadioglu are nearing returns from ankle injuries, but this game may come a week too soon for both. Jack Hinshelwood is still dealing with a knee issue, with a similar return date expected. The Seagulls should be given a boost with Adam Webster and Pervis Estupinan set to return to the squad.

Arsenal

The Gunners will be without Bukayo Saka who is set for at least two months out following hamstring surgery. Raheem Sterling is set to return from a knee injury which has kept him out of recent games. Ben White remains a long-term absentee.

Brighton:

In their last five games, Brighton have drawn four and lost one. It has been a difficult stretch for Brighton as they have struggled for wins. This run started with a 2-2 draw at relegation battling Leicester. They were 2-0 up at 80 minutes thanks to goals from Tariq Lamptey and Yankuba Minteh. However, the Foxes battled back for a point through Jamie Vardy and Bobby De Cordova Reid.

A home game against rivals Crystal Palace saw a defeat, as they 3-1. Palace took a 3-0 lead despite Brighton’s dominance, before a late consolation. Next, they faced West Ham on the road. They drew 1-1 as Mohammed Kudus cancelled out Mats Wieffer’s opener.

Brentford were next to visit the Amex, but Brighton were held to a goalless draw, despite creating several chances. Last time out, they faced Aston Villa away from home. Brighton were held to another 2-2 draw in which they took the lead through Simon Adingra. Villa turned it around but Tariq Lamptey salvaged a point with less than 10 minutes to go.

Arsenal

In their last five games, Arsenal have won four and drawn one. It has been a stronger period for the Gunners as they have gone unbeaten in this stretch. The first game of this run was a home game against Everton where they were held to a goalless draw, dropping points in the title race.

A midweek fixture saw them take on Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. They advanced to the semi-finals with a 3-2 win as a Gabriel Jesus hat-trick helped them overcome an early deficit. The Gunners faced the same opponents the following weekend in the league, and it was a comprehensive 5-1 win on the road. Jesus continued his fine form with a brace, after Ismaila Sarr cancelled out an early opener. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice completed the scoring.

Arsenal hosted Ipswich in midweek, and beat the relegation contenders 1-0. Havertz scored the winner after 23 minutes. Their most recent game was a short trip to Brentford, where they won 3-1. The Gunners fell behind to a Bryan Mbeumo strike, but turned it around through Jesus, Mikel Merino and Martinelli.

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