Fortress: Arsenal are unbeaten at home across all competitions so far this season
After sealing a place in the Carabao Cup semi-final, Arsenal are seeking to maintain their two-point lead at the Premier League summit when they face Brighton this afternoon. The Gunners will slip to second in the table before kick-off in north London if Manchester City are victorious over Nottingham Forest in the day’s lunchtime fixture.
Mikel Arteta's side have won all but one home game in the Premier League so far this term and canges are expected from Tuesday night's penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace with the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, David Raya, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi set to return to the starting XI. There could also be a long-awaited return to action for Gabriel and Kai Havertz, but Piero Hincapie and Gabriel Martinelli are doubtful.
The Seagulls have been fairly inconsistent so far this season, winning just one of their last five games, though they have beaten both Man City and Chelsea. Follow Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog, featuring expert analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium.
Brighton team news
Brighton have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their clash with Arsenal.
Danny Welbeck is fit after missing their 0-0 draw with Sunderland before Christmas and the striker will be out to haunt his former club at Emirates Stadium.
Brighton are also set to have key defender Jan Paul van Hecke available again after injury, while Lewis Dunk and Diego Gomez are back from suspension.
Getty Images
Arsenal team news: Gabriel spotted
Gabriel was spotted with the Arsenal squad as the players left the team hotel ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton.
Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman remained sidelined for Arsenal's penultimate home fixture of 2025.
Gabriel Martinelli is a doubt after sustaining a knock in the win over Crystal Palace, while Piero Hincapie faces a late fitness test amid missing the shootout victory.
Kai Havertz could be back in a matchday squad for the first time since August. David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Victor Gyokeres are all pushing for recalls.
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
How to watch
TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri at the ground.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm GMT with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.25pm.
Arsenal vs Brighton live
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Brighton!
It's back to Premier League matters for the Gunners after progressing to the Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek with a penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace.
That was the first home game Arsenal haven't won at home in 90 minutes since September, though they can't afford to drop points this afternoon.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 3pm GMT from the Emirates Stadium. Stick with us!