Arsenal Face Brighton Test: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Arsenal look to preserve their position at the top of the Premier League table as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday.

The Gunners secured a narrow victory at Everton last weekend thanks to Viktor Gyökeres's first-half spot kick, a result that kept them two points clear at the top during Christmas. However, history shows that only 17 of 33 teams leading on December 25th have actually claimed the championship, so any stumble against the Seagulls could spell trouble for Arsenal's title hopes.

Mikel Arteta's squad should feel optimistic about Brighton's arrival, particularly given their previous success against them this season. Strikes from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka delivered a comfortable 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup fourth round back in October.

Brighton seem unlikely to avenge their cup elimination at the Emirates, as Fabian Hürzeler's side has been in disappointing form. A winless streak of four matches has caused them to drop down the table into mid-table mediocrity, though they'll be looking to reverse their fortunes in forthcoming encounters with West Ham United and Burnley.

Here is Sports Illustrated's analysis of the north London encounter.

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Arsenal Team News

Arsenal continue to be without three crucial defensive players, most notably Gabriel in central defense. With Cristhian Mosquera also unavailable, Piero Hincapié is set to start again versus Brighton, while Ben White's fitness concerns ensure another certain appearance for Jurriën Timber at right-back.

Max Dowman remains the sole confirmed absence in attack, with Kai Havertz having recently rejoined first-team preparations after a knee problem that has kept him out since the season opener. He's doubtful to appear against Brighton though, and will probably be gradually reintroduced.

Arteta is anticipated to field the same XI that succeeded on their maiden visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Brighton (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.

Brighton Team News

Brighton receive encouraging fitness updates, with Danny Welbeck ready to face his previous club after overcoming a back problem and Jan Paul van Hecke having shaken off illness in time to meet the Gunners.

Lewis Dunk and Diego Gómez are back from their single-match suspensions for accumulating five yellow cards, while Mats Wieffer might be available against Arsenal despite being substituted at the interval during last weekend's scoreless stalemate with Sunderland.

Nevertheless, Brighton will be missing four players for their trip to north London. Carlos Baleba is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, while Adam Webster, Solly March and Stefanos Tzimas are all ruled out through injury.

Brighton Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Brighton predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadıoğlu; Ayari, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Gruda, Gómez; Rutter.

Arsenal vs. Brighton Score Prediction

Arsenal's rock-solid defensive displays have been evident in recent fixtures and the Gunners will be confident of securing their 10th Premier League shutout against Brighton, who have managed just one goal in their last three outings.

The Seagulls are expected to avoid parking the bus and frustrating their opponents, which should suit Arsenal perfectly, with players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard ready to capitalize on quick transitions and space in dangerous areas.

This ought to be a straightforward victory for the table-toppers.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Brighton