TipStar: Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion preview and prediction

Arsenal players celebrate a goal in a past Premier League match [Courtesy]

The Emirates Stadium will be awash with excitement on Sunday evening (6:30pm) as Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion go head-to-head in a match that could have major implications for both sides. The Gunners are currently second in the Premier League table, just a point behind leaders Manchester City (82), having played a game more. A win for Arsenal would put them top of the table should Man City drop points at Everton, while a win for Brighton would move them into the UEFA Conference League spot.

Arsenal have been in good form in recent weeks, winning four of their last five home league games by an aggregate score of 17-8. The Gunners have scored at least three goals in all of those matches, and they have now scored in 17 consecutive games in all competitions. They have also emerged victorious in 25 out of their 35 games, showcasing their prowess on the field.

With reports defenders William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the rest of the season through injury, Arsenal will look to the likes of Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior to steady the ship at the back. Granit Xhaka Martin Odegaard and January signing Jorginho are all fit and expected to start, with Brazilian Gabriel Jesus leading the line flanked by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Roberto De Zerbi's men will be looking to bounce back from their shock 5-1 home thrashing at the hands of Everton having won only 3 of their last seven games in the league.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton, England, Saturday, May 7, 2022. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)

The Seagulls' record against top teams is unwanted. They have been beaten in eight of their 14 encounters, losing four times in six away games. Their away form has been dismal, as they have suffered defeat in nine of their 10 league away games against sides starting the day in the top two. Brighton's opponents have scored 23 goals while the Seagulls managed to muster just six in response.

The usual Kaoru Mitoma is available to lead the attack but De Zerbi will have to plan a strategy without Solly March and Adam Webster. Other notable absentees through injury and fitness issues include which also include Tariq Lamptey Jeremy Sarmiento, Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder and possibly Joel Veltman.

Arsenal Premier League form (Last 6 games): DDDLWW

Brighton Premier League form (Last 6 games): LWLWW

Arsenal possible Starting XI:

Ramsdale, Kiwior, Gabriel, White, Tierney, Xhaka, Jorginho, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus, Saka.

Brighton possible Starting XI:

Steele, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinan Gross, Gilmour, Caicedo, Mac Allister, Enciso, Ferguso, Mitoma.

Key pointers:

• Arsenal have scored at least 3 goals in their last 5 home matches
• Against team not in the top 4, Arsenal have won 13 of 15 games at home
• Brighton have scored a goal in their last 11 EPL fixtures.
• Brighton have averaged a goal in their last 5 away matches.

STANDARD TIPSTAR PREDICTION: Arsenal 3-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Arsenal look good take all three points despite suffering crucial losses in Saliba and Zinchenko. Given Brighton's fragilities at the back, coupled with dwindling confidence and fatigue, we expect more than a goal for the home team, with the possibility of a GOAL-GOAL (Both teams to score). The last time Brighton failed to score in a Premier League match was February 18^th. However, a HOME WIN would be the best bet.