Brighton welcome Arsenal to the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon in one of the more interesting games of Premier League Matchweek 5.
The Seagulls have been anything but boring. They have scored 13 goals in four league games, the most in the division, and put five past Coventry last weekend.
Apparently that wasn’t enough entertainment for one week. Fabian Hürzeler’s side then went to Old Trafford, fell 2-0 behind and came back to beat Manchester United 3-2 in the Carabao Cup.
Arsenal arrive with a rather different party trick. The champions have won all four Premier League games and conceded just once. They have also won all seven matches in all competitions this season.
So, the Premier League’s most prolific attack meets its meanest defence.
Something has to give at the Amex.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League betting tips: Matchweek 5 accumulator and predictions
What are the best betting tips for Brighton vs Arsenal?
Arsenal to win
This should be Arsenal’s toughest Premier League test so far.
Brighton are playing with confidence and have already scored 20 goals across all competitions. Their 5-0 win at Coventry showed how quickly they can punish teams once a game opens up.
However, Arsenal have become extremely difficult to beat.
Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded only once in four league games. They also found a way to win at Sunderland last weekend despite being pushed hard for long periods.
That ability to survive difficult spells could be important here.
Brighton will press high and try to make the game uncomfortable. However, that could also leave spaces for Arsenal to attack.
The Gunners have enough quality to take advantage.
Both teams to score
This might look slightly strange after spending the last section praising Arsenal’s defence.
Brighton are the reason.
The Seagulls have scored 13 times in four Premier League games. They have also scored 16 goals across their last five matches in all competitions.
Arsenal have only conceded once in the league. However, Sunderland created several good opportunities against them last weekend and even missed a penalty at 0-0.
Brighton should create chances of their own at the Amex.
The problem for Hürzeler is keeping Arsenal quiet at the other end.
We fancy both sides to find the net.
Bukayo Saka to score or assist
Bukayo Saka has wasted little time getting going this season.
The Arsenal winger has scored three goals in four Premier League appearances. He has also registered an expected goals total of 2.87.
Brighton’s approach could suit him too.
Hürzeler wants his side to be aggressive and play on the front foot. That has produced plenty of goals, but it can also leave space when Brighton lose possession.
Giving Saka space to attack probably isn’t high on the recommended list of Premier League survival strategies.
He should get opportunities to make something happen.
BET £10 TODAY AND GET £30 IN FREE BETS TO USE ON THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WITH MIDNITE
Where can I watch Brighton vs Arsenal?
Brighton vs Arsenal kicks off at 3pm BST on Saturday, September 19 at the Amex Stadium.
The game will not be shown live in the UK because it falls inside the Saturday 3pm blackout.
In the United States, the match is available on USA Network.
What have the managers said?
Fabian Hürzeler
Hürzeler wants Brighton to keep their feet on the ground after their dramatic Carabao Cup comeback against Manchester United.
“We have to stay very, very humble now and get an understanding why we are in the place where we are.”
The Brighton boss believes maintaining the standards behind their strong start will be important against Arsenal.
“It’s hard, hard work. It’s doing the basic things right and then we can grow into the game.”
Mikel Arteta
There is a little bit of history between these managers after their last meeting at the Amex.
Hürzeler criticised Arsenal’s time-wasting following the Gunners’ 1-0 victory in March. He later apologised to Arteta, who insists the matter is finished.
“That’s all done. That’s all in the past. I have huge respect for Fabian and what Brighton have done as a club.”
Arteta is expecting another difficult afternoon on the south coast.
“We’re going to have a really tough opponent tomorrow, we have to earn the right to win the game.”
What is Brighton’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Vuskovic, Dunk, Boscagli; Groß, Ayari; Gomez, Yalcouyé, De Cuyper; Kostoulas.
Injured: Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, Stefanos Tzimas, Jack Hinshelwood, Mats Wieffer, Evan Ferguson, Femi Azeez.
Brighton have several players missing. However, Hürzeler has confirmed that Jaouen Hadjam and Luka Vuskovic are available.
What is Arsenal’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Tzolis; Havertz.
Injured: William Saliba.
Doubts: Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapié.
Saliba remains sidelined with a back injury. Meanwhile, Arteta confirmed the other four defenders were pushing to be available after missing the midweek win at Ipswich.
Brighton vs Arsenal prediction
Brighton might be one of the worst teams Arsenal could face before the international break.
They are scoring freely, confidence is high and the Amex should be lively.
However, Arsenal keep finding answers.
They have won seven games from seven this season and have conceded just once in the Premier League. Their extra quality in both boxes could make the difference again.
Brighton should make them work for it, though.
Score prediction: Brighton 1-2 Arsenal
READ MORE: Premier League betting tips 2026/27: Five outright price boosts worth a look
Some links in this article are affiliate links. EPL Bets receives commission from qualifying activity made through these links. This does not affect the odds or offers available to you. Odds available at the time of writing. 18+ New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
