There’s a battle for the top of the table in the Premier League on Saturday. Arsenal have been in excellent form all season long, and are sitting in first place after 17 matches. But Manchester City are tight on their heels. Facing a robust Brighton squad, the Gunners will hope to capture all three points and go into the new year in first place.
Arsenal is a -265 favorite on the moneyline for this contest on DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s dive into a preview, prediction and pick for this Arsenal vs. Brighton fixture.
Arsenal vs. Brighton Prediction, Pick
So far, this has been the dream season for Arsenal. They’re at the top of the EPL table, are the last undefeated team in Champions League group play, and just advanced to the semifinals in the EFL Cup with a dramatic win over Crystal Palace. Finally, manager Mikel Arteta and his squad are in the mix for some serious hardware and could capture their first trophy since their 2020 FA Cup victory. But, first things first: this Saturday showdown with Brighton.
The strength of this team has been the defense. Their elite center-backs and goalkeepers have put them on a historic defensive pace, allowing only 10 goals through 17 games. The two-way play of right back Jurrien Timber has been key. Big signings up front like Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze have been great additions alongside Bukayo Saka and a resurgent Leandro Trossard. If they can get Martin Ødegaard back on track, they have the makings of a trophy-winning team.
Brighton will be on the hunt for points to steal. Once again, they’ve been a solidly mid-table club. It’s not what the Gulls supporters have dreamed of after years of building up the team, but it beats a relegation battle. Selling Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a record transfer fee has allowed them to reinvest elsewhere, and it’s paying off as 21-year-old Yankuba Minteh has been the rising star that may lift all boats for Brighton.
But, unfortunately for the Gulls, they’ll have to get on without the young Gambian star. He’s away at AFCON, leaving Brighton to face the league’s best defense without their most creative offensive player. That’s a rough equation to solve, especially on the road at the Emirates Stadium.
