Arsenal vs Brighton: Arsenal looks to solidify their position at the top of the Premier League table as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday. A Viktor Gyökeres penalty against Everton last weekend ensured the Gunners held a two-point lead on Christmas Day. However, history is a fickle friend; since only about half of Christmas leaders ultimately win the league, Arsenal cannot afford a setback against the Seagulls.
Mikel Arteta’s squad holds a psychological advantage, having already beaten Brighton at home this season. That 2-0 Carabao Cup victory in October – defined by goals from Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri – should give the league leaders plenty of belief that they can repeat the result this weekend.
Brighton, meanwhile, arrives at the Emirates in a slump. Fabian Hürzeler’s side has tumbled into mid-table after four matches without a win. While they are desperate to break their winless streak, they may find it difficult to do so in London, potentially looking ahead to more manageable fixtures against West Ham and Burnley to turn their luck around.
Mainwap’s breakdown on the encounter
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, December 27
- Kick-off Time: 3p.m GMT / 10a.m ET / 7a.m PT
- Location: London, England
- Stadium: Emirates Stadium
- Referee: John Brooks
- VAR: Paul Tierney
Arsenal vs Brighton H2H Record (Last 5 Games)
Arsenal: 3 wins
Brighton: 0 wins
Draws: 2
- Last meeting: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton (Oct. 29, 2025) – Carabao Cup
Current Form for Both Teams (All Competition)
| Arsenal | Brighton |
|---|---|
| Arsenal 1–1 (8–7p) Crystal Palace – 23/12/25 | Brighton 0–0 Sunderland – 20/12/25 |
| Everton 0–1 Arsenal – 20/12/25 | Liverpool 2–0 Brighton – 13/12/25 |
| Arsenal 2–1 Wolves – 13/12/25 | Brighton 1–1 West Ham – 07/12/25 |
| Club Brugge 0–3 Arsenal – 10/12/25 | Brighton 3–4 Aston Villa – 03/12/25 |
| Aston Villa 2–1 Arsenal – 06/12/25 | Nottingham Forest 0–2 Brighton – 30/11/25 |
Arsenal FC Team News
Arsenal’s backline remains depleted as they continue to cope without three regular starters, most notably Gabriel at center-back. In the absence of both the Brazilian and Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié is set to deputize once again. Furthermore, Ben White’s ongoing fitness struggles ensure that Jurriën Timber will maintain his spot at right-back.
In attack, Max Dowman is the only definite absentee. While Kai Havertz has finally returned to first-team training after a long-term knee injury sustained on the opening day, he is unlikely to be rushed back for the Brighton clash. Given the length of his layoff, Mikel Arteta is expected to take a cautious approach to his reintegration.
Barring any late changes, Arteta will likely stick with the same starting eleven that secured a historic victory during the club’s debut visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Brighton & Hove Albion Team News
Brighton received a timely fitness boost ahead of their trip to North London, with Danny Welbeck set to face his former club after recovering from a back issue. The Seagulls will also be bolstered by the return of Jan Paul van Hecke, who has overcome a recent illness. Further strengthening the squad, Lewis Dunk and Diego Gómez are available again after serving one-match suspensions for yellow card accumulation. Additionally, Mats Wieffer is in contention despite an early exit during last weekend’s stalemate against Sunderland.
Despite the returning players, Fabian Hürzeler will still be missing four key squad members. Carlos Baleba is currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Adam Webster, Solly March, and Stefanos Tzimas remain unavailable due to injury.
Arsenal vs Brighton Correct Score Prediction
Arsenal’s backline has been nearly impenetrable recently, and they will expect to extend that record against a goal-shy Brighton. With the Seagulls scoring just once across their previous three fixtures, the league leaders have a prime opportunity to reach double digits in clean sheets for the campaign.
Furthermore, Brighton’s expansive style of play is likely to be their undoing at the Emirates. Rather than sitting deep, their willingness to play out will offer Saka and Ødegaard the space they need to dominate, likely resulting in a comfortable afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Brighton
Follow us on facebook, X and Youtube for more.
