The Premier League’s festive games resumes with Emirates. The clash of Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM GMT, pitting Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Gunners against Fabian Hürzeler’s resilient Seagulls in Matchday 18. Arsenal, buoyed by a midweek Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace, aim to extend their unbeaten run.
Context & Stakes
Arsenal top the table with 39 points from 17 games—12 wins, three draws, two losses. They have a +21 goal difference (31 scored, 10 conceded), five points clear of Manchester City in second. Their form is formidable: unbeaten in 13 of 14 league outings, including a 5-1 demolition of Palace that showcased attacking verve. However, draws against Everton and Ipswich have prevented a runaway lead, and with City lurking, Arteta demands ruthlessness. Home form is stellar. They have eight wins in nine—but Brighton’s previous 1-1 draw here last season lingers as a cautionary tale.
Brighton sit eighth with 28 points (8-4-5, +8 GD), punching above their weight under young boss Hürzeler despite a injury-prone campaign. They’ve won four of seven away games. This includes a shock at Spurs, but recent draws (0-0 vs. Wolves) highlight defensive solidity over flair. Four points off the Europa spots, a result here could ignite a continental push, especially with a soft January fixture list. For Arsenal, victory cements psychological dominance; for Brighton, it’s survival in the elite scrap.
"I see a team with big potential and we have proved that in every game so far"
Fabian Hurzeler looks at what he wants from his Brighton side ahead of their match with Arsenal on Saturday and he has positive team news for the trip 💪 pic.twitter.com/l78nOEp3cx
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 23, 2025
Team News
Arsenal’s squad depth faces its sternest test yet. Gabriel Martinelli is a major doubt with a hamstring tweak from the Palace tie. This potentially forces Eberechi Eze or Leandro Trossard into the left-wing breach. Piero Hincapie (shoulder) and Kai Havertz (minor knock) are touch-and-go. While Ben White (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) remain sidelined, alongside long-term absentees Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman. Bukayo Saka returns after cup rest, a timely boost, and Declan Rice is fit post-suspension. No fresh bans, but Arteta may rotate midfield with Martin Zubimendi available.
Brighton’s injury crisis eases slightly. Danny Welbeck and Jan Paul van Hecke are back from knocks, bolstering the attack and defense after missing the midweek stalemate. However, Ferdi Kadioglu (ankle), Pervis Estupinan (calf), and Tariq Lamptey (thigh) are out, stretching the full-back options. Joao Pedro (groin) is doubtful, and Lewis Dunk returns from suspension to anchor the backline. Hürzeler has no suspensions but must manage fatigue in a depleted pool—youth like Yankuba Minteh may feature.
Where to Watch
Arsenal vs Brighton has various outlets to watch for. UK viewers face the agony of the 3:00 PM blackout—no live TV broadcast to protect attendances—but highlights drop on the Arsenal website and app at 7:00 PM GMT, with full replays later. Sky Sports and TNT Sports offer post-match analysis, while BBC Radio 5 Live provides live commentary from 2:30 PM. Streaming via the Premier League app includes clips for subscribers.
In the US, tune in live on NBC and Peacock at 10:00 AM ET, with coverage starting at 9:30 AM—perfect for brunch viewing. ESPN+ streams for international fans, and in Australia, Optus Sport kicks off at midnight AEDT.
Tactical Matchups
Arteta’s Arsenal deploy a fluid 4-3-3, blending high-intensity pressing with intricate build-up—averaging 65% possession and 18 shots per game. Rice and Zubimendi shield the back four. This enables Odegaard’s creativity, but vulnerabilities lurk without Hincapie: Brighton’s counters could target Timber’s inexperience at left-back. Arsenal’s set-piece prowess (15 goals) meets Brighton’s zonal marking frailties.
Hürzeler’s Brighton favor a possession-oriented 4-2-3-1. This emphasizes quick interchanges and wide overloads. But injuries force a more pragmatic low block—conceding just 1.2 goals per away game. Mats Wieffer and Carlos Baleba must disrupt Arsenal’s midfield rhythm, while wingers like Kaoru Mitoma probe for joy on transitions. The duel in the channels—Saka vs. Dunk—could be decisive, with Arsenal’s press likely forcing Brighton into long balls early. Expect a cagey opener, erupting into open play post-60 minutes.
Key Players to Watch
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): The England winger’s return is pivotal—10 goals, 12 assists this season. His dribbling (3.2 per game) will test Brighton’s makeshift right flank; a goal/assist brace looms.
Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal): The Swedish striker’s clinical edge (14 goals) thrives in Arteta’s system—hold-up play and poaching make him a nightmare for van Hecke.
Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal): Captain’s vision (8 assists) orchestrates attacks; his battles with Wieffer could unlock spaces for runners.
Lewis Dunk (Brighton): The skipper’s aerial dominance (2.1 clearances/game) is crucial against Gyökeres; his leadership shores up a fragile defense.
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton): Explosive dribbler (1.8 successful take-ons/game), his pace on the left could exploit Calafiori’s positioning errors.
Danny Welbeck (Brighton): Veteran forward’s return adds guile—five goals despite limited minutes; his link-up with Pedro could spark counters.
Probable XI
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Bart Verbruggen; James Milner, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Maxim De Cuyper; Mats Wieffer, Carlos Baleba; Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro, Yankuba Minteh; Danny Welbeck.
Prediction
Arsenal’s firepower and home fortress should prevail in a controlled affair. Despite the grit of Brighton, Hürzeler concedes 1.5 goals to top teams vs Arsenal 71% win probability per simulations. Gyökeres nets first, Saka assists the second post-restart—expect under 3.5 goals given Brighton’s resilience. Arsenal to win 2-0, extending their lead to eight points and silencing doubters. A Brighton draw tempts if Martinelli sits, but Arteta’s rotation pays dividends. Festive joy for the Gunners; Seagulls grounded.
As featured on GoonerNews.com