Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion Prediction | Premier League 2025/26 | EPL Prediction | Dec 27 – Can Arsenal Hold Top Spot against Tricky Brighton?

The Emirates Stadium is set to host a pivotal post-Christmas clash as the Premier League leaders look to tighten their grip on the title race. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the hosts, who sit at the top of the table, while the visitors are scrapping in mid-table, desperate to turn a season of “mixed” results into a European push. The North Londoners enter this fixture fresh off maintaining a flawless record in their UEFA Champions’ League group, whereas the Seagulls arrive trying to shake off the inconsistency that has seen them pick up two wins, two losses, and two draws in their last six.

Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion Match Details at a Glance

Injury News and Suspensions

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta faces a bit of a defensive headache heading into the festive period. While the squad depth has improved, the treatment room is busier than he’d like. Gabriel (muscle) and Kai Havertz (knee) are both sidelined until early January 2026, ruling them out of this fixture. Youngster Max Dowman is out until February with an ankle issue, and Cristhian Mosquera isn’t expected back until mid-January.

Brighton and Hove Albion

Fabian Hurzeler also has his fair share of selection woes. Adam Webster is out until early January with a knee problem, leaving the backline somewhat thin. Stefanos Tzimas is a long-term absentee, not expected back until April. Tom Watson remains doubtful with physical discomfort.

Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion Head-to-Head Records

Form Guide

Arsenal

The Gunners are currently the team to beat in English football. Sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League as of December 20, 2025, Arteta’s men have combined tactical discipline with ruthless efficiency. Their recent form is underscored by a perfect Champions League group stage campaign, proving they can handle pressure on multiple fronts. What makes this Arsenal side so dangerous is their duality; they can suffocate teams with possession but are equally lethal from set-pieces, a specific area where they are currently world-class.

Brighton and Hove Albion

The Seagulls find themselves in 10th place, searching for an identity under Fabian Hurzeler. Their form has been the definition of “mixed,” with an equal split of wins, losses, and draws in their last six outings. While they remain exciting to watch, emphasizing possession and quick, vertical transitions, they are leaking goals. Their defensive vulnerabilities are a major concern, particularly against set-pieces, which is a terrifying weakness to have when visiting the Emirates.

Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion Key Battles

Bukayo Saka vs Ferdi Kadioglu

Based on the players available, a likely key duel is on Arsenal’s right flank. Bukayo Saka remains the heartbeat of the Gunners’ attack. His ability to cut inside or drive to the byline makes him a nightmare for full-backs. Against Brighton, Saka will look to exploit the space left behind when the visitors push forward. His role isn’t just creating chances; it’s about pinning Brighton back and forcing mistakes in their defensive third. If Saka gets isolated 1v1, it’s usually game over.

Viktor Gyökeres vs Lewis Dunk

On the flip side, the battle between Viktor Gyökeres and Brighton captain Lewis Dunk will be fascinating. Gyökeres, operating in that hybrid midfield/forward role noted in recent setups, brings a physical dominance and direct running style that disrupts defensive lines. He will be looking to drag Dunk out of position, creating gaps for runners like Martinelli or Eze. Dunk, however, is a veteran of these battles.

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Ars enal vs Brighton and Hove AlbionTactical Outlook

Mikel Arteta is expected to deploy a system that maximizes control while maintaining enough fluidity to break down Brighton’s press. With Rice and Zubimendi likely anchoring the midfield, the hosts will look to dominate the center of the park, allowing Eberechi Eze to drift into pockets of space between the lines. The inclusion of Timber and Hincapié in the backline suggests a focus on recovery pace, essential for sweeping up Brighton’s vertical counters. Arsenal’s primary weapon, however, will likely be their set-pieces.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side, conversely, cannot afford to sit back. Their DNA is possession-based, but at the Emirates, they might have to adapt. The likely strategy will involve baiting Arsenal’s high press to create artificial transitions, inviting pressure to bypass the midfield quickly and release Minteh or Rutter into space. Defensively, they will rely on Wieffer to break up play, but the high line they typically favor is a massive gamble against the pace of Martinelli and Saka.

Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion Possible Playing Squad

Arsenal XI: 

Raya (GK), White, Saliba, Timber, Hincapié, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Martinelli, Gyökeres

Brighton and Hove Albion XI:

Verbruggen (GK), Dunk, van Hecke, Gomez, Kadioglu, Hinshelwood, Wieffer, Baleba, Minteh, Gruda, Rutter

Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion Match Prediction

The Emirates has become a fortress, and the tactical mismatch between Arsenal’s set-piece proficiency and Brighton’s inability to defend dead balls feels decisive. While the Seagulls have the tools to score, especially if they catch the hosts napping on the break, their defensive lapses are too frequent to trust against a team as clinical as this Arsenal iteration. Arteta’s men are efficient, disciplined, and chasing a title; Hurzeler’s troops are inconsistent and porous at the back. Expect the Gunners to control the tempo, exploit the wide areas, and punish any set-piece opportunities.

Score Prediction

Arsenal 3–1 Brighton and Hove Albion; The Gunners’ set-piece dominance and Saka’s quality should overpower a spirited but defensively fragile Seagulls side.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.