Match Overview
Arsenal welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates Stadium for a Premier League clash with important implications at both ends of the table. Arsenal sit top on 39 points after 17 matches and will look to maintain momentum against a Brighton side targeting a stronger away return. The hosts’ quick passing and disciplined structure will be tested by Brighton’s counter-attacking style. A recent 2-0 cup win for Arsenal adds another layer to a matchup that often hinges on control versus transition.
- Fixture: Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Emirates Stadium
- Date: 27-12-2025
- Kickoff: 15:00 GMT / 15:00 UTC
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal
- David Raya
- R. Calafiori
- J. Timber
- W. Saliba
- Gabriel Magalhães
- D. Rice
- Martín Zubimendi
- M. Ødegaard
- Mikel Merino
- V. Gyokeres
- B. Saka
Brighton & Hove Albion
- B. Verbruggen
- F. Kadioglu
- M. De Cuyper
- J. van Hecke
- L. Dunk
- Y. Ayari
- C. Baleba
- D. Gómez
- J. Hinshelwood
- Y. Minteh
- G. Rutter
Injury & Suspension Report
Arsenal
- P. Hincapié – Shoulder Injury
- Gabriel Martinelli – Knock
- B. White – Hamstring Injury
- B. White – Injury
- K. Havertz – Knee Injury
- Gabriel Magalhães – Muscle Injury
- Cristhian Mosquera – Ankle Injury
- Gabriel Magalhães – Thigh Injury
- M. Dowman – Ankle Injury
Brighton & Hove Albion
- D. Welbeck – Back Injury
- M. Wieffer – Head Injury
- J. van Hecke – Illness
- M. Wieffer – Injury
- C. Baleba – Injury
- C. Baleba – International duty
- S. Tzimas – Knee Injury
- A. Webster – Knee Injury
- S. March – Knee Injury
Head-to-Head
Across 28 meetings, Arsenal have 14 wins, Brighton 8, with 6 draws. Recent clashes trend under three total goals on average, with Arsenal generally holding a slight edge but Brighton remaining competitive.
Match Analysis & Prediction
Arsenal’s current rhythm is measured and effective. They have scored nine goals in their last five matches, with control in possession and quick combinations through midfield. Against teams around them, output has tightened to about one goal per game, which places extra value on moments of quality from creators and runners beyond the ball. Bukayo Saka’s influence at home is notable, with six goals at the Emirates underscoring his threat drifting into gaps and combining in the final third.
Brighton’s away return has been mixed, with two defeats and two draws in their last five road fixtures, though they have still managed five goals in that span. Their plan on the road remains geared to transitions and quick surges after regains. D. Gómez has five away goals from ten away appearances and provides a key outlet between midfield and attack, supported by Y. Minteh and G. Rutter leading the line.
In a high-stakes London derby, Arsenal’s Gunners take on Brighton as tactical finesse and electric Emirates atmosphere set the tone.
The on-ball control of Arsenal’s midfield unit—D. Rice, Martín Zubimendi, M. Ødegaard and Mikel Merino—should shape territory and tempo, while Brighton’s central group of Y. Ayari, C. Baleba, D. Gómez and J. Hinshelwood will look for turnovers and vertical runs. Arsenal’s back line with W. Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães is set to manage counters and direct balls into the channels, whereas Brighton’s defense featuring L. Dunk and J. van Hecke will try to keep the hosts away from central shooting lanes and force play wide.
Recent history supports a tight contest: these sides typically combine for just under three goals per game in recent meetings. Arsenal also took a 2-0 cup win in October, reinforcing their ability to control Brighton’s counter-attacks when they execute cleanly. With home advantage and a clearer attacking rhythm, Arsenal carry the stronger platform, but Brighton’s away scoring threat suggests this should remain competitive deep into the match.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion.