Will Arsenal continue their upward trend?

The top six teams in the English Premier League are currently separated by just a single point. In this bunch are not only “the usual suspects”, but also an outsider in the form of Graham Potter’s Seagulls. In Saturday’s late game, Brighton face Arsenal looking to shore up their top spot

For only the second time in Premier League history, Brighton & Hove Albion will meet Arsenal in the process and move ahead of the Gunners in the table. This was previously only the case in January 1982. Nevertheless, the home side are not favourites and in the clash between Brighton and Arsenal the visitors are slightly favoured according to current odds.

The Arteta eleven seems to have caught itself in recent days and has a clear upward trend to show. The victory in the North London derby against Tottenham resulted from an impressive performance. A brief flash in the pan? Or does Arsenal finally seem to be able to live up to their own expectations? The match kicks off at the AMEX Stadium on Saturday at 18:30.

Brighton – Statistics & current form

Seagulls coach Graham Potter has not always had an easy ride with his own fans. Compared to his predecessor, and promotion hero, Chris Hughton, the now 46-year-old practices an entirely different style.

In the first two PL years, Brighton were a perfect example of old-fashioned kick-and-rush football. The end justified the means and the goal of staying in the league was fixed. However, it was clear to the club’s management that sporting development was not possible with this and they decided to change the paradigm.

Significant progress in terms of play

In terms of points, there has only been a slight development in the two Potter years, but from a sporting point of view, the Seagulls are now showing extremely pleasing performances. Brighton are also able to surprise against the top teams. Last season, for example, they were able to celebrate victories against Tottenham, Liverpool and champions Manchester City.

What is striking, however, is the fact that the Seagulls try to develop playful solutions, but choose the risk very carefully. It tends to be advisable to bet on the Potter eleven to score under 2.5 The previous year saw an average of 2.26 goals per game (third lowest) For Brighton vs. Arsenal, odds on the Under 2.5 are currently being offered at around 1.80.

Brighton finally convince in their own stadium

A major drawback for Graham Potter has been their poor home record, as they have suffered repeated setbacks at the AMEX Stadium. That weakness now seems to be a thing of the past, with Brighton & Hove Albion winning three of their last four home games across the season. In comparison, it previously took 22 home games to leave the pitch as winners three times.

Also arguing for the under 2.5 is the statistic that Brighton have kept nil in seven league home games in 2021. Only Manchester City and Chelsea (nine each) have a better statistic here.

Predicted Brighton line-up:
Sanchez – Cucurella, Duffy, Dunk, Burn, Veltman – Welbeck, Big, Lallana, Trossard – Maupay

Last Brighton games:

Arsenal – Statistics & current form

For the first time in the 21st century, Gunners fans will have to do without international football. Despite this great disappointment, there were no consequences on the part of the club’s management and head coach Mikel Arteta remained in office.

Flying high after horror start

The air has been thin for the Spanish head coach in recent months, but he has always been able to pull himself out of trouble. This time was no exception, as after three defeats at the start of the new season, Arteta was once again heavily ticked off.

The 5-0 debacle against Manchester City was not only the Gunners’ third defeat, but also their third game without a goal of their own. They became only the third team in the English Premier League to follow three defeats at the start of the season with three wins. A feat previously only achieved by AFC Wimbledon (1997/98) and West Bromwich Albion (2002/03).

Outstanding Gunners in North London derby

Balm on the wounds was last weekend’s performance in particular. In the North London derby against arch-rivals Tottenham, Arsenal put in their best performance in several months From the start, the game was played on a slippery slope and Arteta’s charges dominated the play at will. At times, the Gunners team was reminiscent of the glory days under Henry, Bergkamp & Co. A drop of bitterness was the injury of the Swiss Granit Xhaka. The 29-year-old injured his medial ligament and will not be seen on the pitch again in 2021.

It’s not just the current momentum with the Gunners that favours betting on the visitors between Brighton and Arsenal, but also the Gunners’ away record in recent months. Starting with last December’s 1-0 win over Brighton, the Gunners have won nine of their last 15 league games away from home.

Qualitatively, Arsenal may no longer have a squad that can compete with City, Chelsea or United, but compared to the Seagulls, Aubameyang & Co are certainly stronger. The betting odds of over 2.50 for an away win definitely seem lucrative in this respect, and value is definitely a given here.

Predicted Arsenal line-up:
Ramsdale – Tierney, Gabriel, White, Tomiyasu – Partey, Sambi Lokonga – Smith-Rowe, Odegaard, Saka – Aubameyang

Last matches played by Arsenal:

Brighton – Arsenal Direct Comparison / H2H Record

Last season, the struggling Arteta eleven came out on top against Graham Potter’s Seagulls both home and away. In fact, one would think that this is not surprising, but prior to the 2020/21 season, the Gunners missed out on five consecutive league wins against Brighton & Hove Albion. Should they manage another win at the AMEX Stadium, Arsenal would win two away games at Brighton for the first time since 1961.

Brighton – Arsenal Tip

Arsenal fans have been far from envious in recent weeks and months, with the derby gala against their arch-rivals a balm on the wounds. Now, however, the Arteta protégés must put such performances on the pitch consistently in order to be able to orientate themselves towards the top places again. Should the visitors be able to build on this performance, then a prediction in the direction of the Arteta eleven is extremely promising between Brighton and Arsenal.

Not only is the momentum right with Arsenal, but also with the home side, as the Potter eleven have certainly been the positive surprise of the young season so far. The Seagulls are an unpleasant opponent with a strong defence. Nonetheless, the tendency between Brighton and Arsenal is to tip the visitors Arsenal are stronger in terms of quality, Aubameyang is in top form and generally the away statistics are quite respectable. Brighton have already shown on several occasions that they can surprise, but the value is clearly to be found in the bet on the visitors, five units stake!