Arsenal vs Brighton Preview: Gunners Aim to Extend Home Dominance as Seagulls Seek Revival

Arsenal welcome Brighton to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for a 15:00 kick-off, aiming to secure a third consecutive Premier League victory as they look to maintain their position at the top of the table heading into 2026. Brighton, meanwhile, arrive in ninth place and are searching for a return to form after going winless in their last four league matches.

Despite Arsenal’s strong recent home form, Brighton have proved to be an awkward opponent in this fixture. The Gunners have won just three of their eight Premier League home games against the Seagulls, highlighting the challenges they have faced against Saturday’s visitors. Arsenal did, however, overcome Brighton earlier this season, securing a 2–0 victory in the Carabao Cup thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal are dealing with a few minor injury concerns. Gabriel Martinelli picked up a knock against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, while Piero Hincapié missed the entire Everton match with a minor shoulder issue. Ben White remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, but there is positive news for Mikel Arteta, with Gabriel Magalhães potentially returning to the squad after recovering from a groin problem. The defender has travelled with the team. Arteta is also hopeful that Kai Havertz could return “in a matter of days, if not weeks” after recently resuming training following a knee injury.

Brighton could be boosted by the return of several key players. Danny Welbeck is expected to return from injury after missing the Seagulls’ last outing against Sunderland. Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk and Diego Gómez are also set to be available again. One notable absentee, however, is Carlos Baleba, who will miss the match as he represents Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Arsenal’s home record at the Emirates has been formidable, with five consecutive Premier League victories, reinforcing its reputation as one of the league’s most challenging environments. David Raya has played a central role in that success and will be keen to add another clean sheet, especially with Brighton having failed to score in their last two league games.

Brighton will undoubtedly put up a strong fight, but if Arsenal can impose themselves, control key periods of the match and remain clinical in front of goal, a victory would represent another significant statement in their title ambitions.