A few days earlier, Brighton showed resilience of their own by fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Arsenal, who collected more Premier League points than any other team in 2024 with an impressive 85, wasted no time grabbing the first three points of the New Year. Despite an early scare when Bryan Mbeumo put Brentford ahead, goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win.
While Arsenal’s form has been strong, four straight wins in all competitions and nine victories from their last 12 matches they remain second in the table, six points behind Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. Arteta’s side will need other teams to slow down the league leaders, but they’ve been taking care of their own business with focus and consistency.
Remarkably, this will be Arsenal’s first trip outside London since their 5-1 Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon on November 26. Their last nine matches have all been played in the capital, marking the longest such run in club history.
Meanwhile, Brighton are struggling to rediscover their early-season form. After a dramatic 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Monday, thanks to a stunning late equalizer from Tariq Lamptey, the Seagulls closed out 2024 with three straight draws. Their European hopes have taken a hit, as they’ve gone seven games without a win and now sit mid-table, five points behind Newcastle in the Europa League spots.
Brighton have become the league’s draw specialists, with nine stalemates so far more than any other team. Manager Fabian Hurzeler could even match a rare record by becoming the first Premier League coach since 1999 to draw 10 of his first 20 games in charge.
Earlier this season, Brighton held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates in a game overshadowed by Declan Rice’s controversial red card. However, Arsenal have enjoyed recent trips to the Amex Stadium, winning their last two visits and scoring at least three goals each time. They’ll be hoping to keep that streak going as they push to keep pace with Liverpool in the title race.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Arsenal’s midweek win came with a downside Jurrien Timber picked up a yellow card that will see him suspended for the trip to Brighton. With Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu still sidelined by knee injuries, Arsenal now find themselves without a recognized right-back.Unless Mikel Arteta pulls a surprise and starts 18-year-old Joshua Nichols, Thomas Partey is expected to fill in at right-back again. That switch could pave the way for Declan Rice or Kai Havertz who missed the Brentford game due to illness to return to the midfield.
In attack, Arsenal remain without Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Raheem Sterling (knee). Arteta handed 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri his first Premier League start against Brentford, but with such a quick turnaround, it seems unlikely the youngster will keep his place in the starting lineup.
Brighton, on the other hand, are hoping for a boost in their own defensive ranks. Pervis Estupinan, who missed the Villa match due to illness, could return against Arsenal. There’s also a slim chance Adam Webster might make his comeback after a 13-game absence with a hamstring injury, while Jack Hinshelwood (knee) is close to returning as well.
However, Brighton will still be without several key players, including Danny Welbeck (ankle), Mats Wieffer (leg), Evan Ferguson (ankle), James Milner (hamstring), and Ferdi Kadioglu (toe).
Meanwhile, Brighton have made their first move in the January transfer window, officially signing Diego Gomez from Inter Miami for £11 million. However, the new arrival won’t be in contention to make his debut this weekend.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:Verbruggen; Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, O'Riley; Adingra, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard
EXPERT PREDICTION
Brighton 2-3 Arsenal
Brighton’s home games have been anything but dull lately they both scored and conceded in six straight Premier League matches at the Amex before their rare 0-0 draw with Brentford on December 27. With Arsenal's recent defensive struggles on the road, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the goals flowing again in this clash.
That said, Arsenal have been managing just fine in attack despite missing the ever-reliable Bukayo Saka. We’re backing Arteta’s side to keep their momentum going with another 3-1 win their second of the year keeping the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table.
