Premier League festive matches resume with Emirates. The collision of Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 27 December 2025. Kick-off is at 3pm GMT, with Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Gunners taking on 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 and stakes
Arsenal top the table with 39 points from 17 games: twelve wins, three draws, two losses. They have a +21 goal difference (31 scored, 10 conceded), five points ahead of second-place Manchester City. Their form has been formidable: unbeaten in 13 of 14 league matches, including the 5-1 defeat of Palace, which showed attacking enthusiasm. However, draws against Everton and Ipswich have prevented a lead getting out of hand, and with City lurking, Arteta is demanding ruthlessness. The home form is great. They have recorded eight wins in nine, but the previous 1-1 draw with Brighton last season lingers as a cautionary tale.
Brighton are eighth with 28 points (8-4-5, +8 GD) and are punching above their weight under young boss Hürzeler, despite an injury-prone campaign. They have won four of their seven away games. This includes a shock at Spurs, but recent draw (0-0 against Wolves) emphasizes defensive solidity over flair. Four points clear of the Europe places, a result here could spark a continental push, especially with a weak January fixture list. For Arsenal, the win reinforces psychological dominance; for Brighton it is survival in the elite scrap.
Team news
Arsenal’s squad faces their toughest test yet. Gabriel Martinelli is a major doubt with a hamstring injury from the Palace match. This may force Eberechi Eze or Leandro Trossard into the left-wing breach. Piero Hincapie (shoulder) and Kai Havertz (small punch) 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 after suspension. No new suspensions, but Arteta can rotate in midfield with Martin Zubimendi available.
The injury crisis in Brighton is easing slightly. Danny Welbeck and Jan Paul van Hecke are back from defeat to strengthen the attack and defense after missing the midweek deadlock. However, Ferdi Kadioglu (ankle), Pervis Estupinan (calf) and Tariq Lamptey (thigh) are out, increasing the full-back’s options. Joao Pedro (groin) is doubtful and Lewis Dunk returns from suspension to anchor the backline. Hürzeler has no suspensions, but must deal with fatigue in a depleted group, where youth like Yankuba Minteh may be present.
Where to look
Arsenal vs Brighton has several outlets to watch. UK viewers face the pain of the 3pm blackout – no live TV coverage to protect attendances – but highlights will appear on Arsenal’s website and app at 7pm GMT, with full repeats later. Sky Sports and TNT Sports provide post-match analysis, while BBC Radio 5 Live offers live commentary from 2.30pm. Streaming via the Premier League app includes clips for subscribers.
In the US, you can watch live at 10am ET on NBC and Peacock, with coverage starting at 9:30am, perfect for brunch. ESPN+ is streaming for international fans, and in Australia Optus Sport starts at midnight AEDT.
Tactical matchups
Arteta’s Arsenal deploy a fluid 4-3-3, combining high-intensity pressing with intricate build-up: an average of 65% possession and 18 shots per match. Rice and Zubimendi protect the back four. This allows Odegaard’s creativity, but without Hincapie there are vulnerabilities lurking: Brighton’s counters could focus on Timber’s inexperience at left back. Arsenal’s skill (fifteen goals) addresses Brighton’s weaknesses.
Hürzeler’s Brighton prefer a possession-oriented 4-2-3-1. This emphasizes rapid exchanges and broad overloads. But injuries force a more pragmatic low block: only 1.2 goals conceded per away game. Mats Wieffer and Carlos Baleba should disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm in midfield, while wingers like Kaoru Mitoma look for joy in transitions. The Channels clash – Saka versus Dunk – could be decisive, with Arsenal’s press likely to force Brighton into long balls early. Expect a cagey opener, which erupts into open play after 60 minutes.
Key players to keep an eye on
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): The return of the English winger is crucial: ten goals and twelve assists this season. His dribbling (3.2 per game) will test Brighton’s makeshift right flank; a target/assist bracket looms.
Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal): The Swedish striker’s clinical edge (fourteen goals) thrives in Arteta’s system: robbery and poaching make him a nightmare for Van Hecke.
Martin Odegaard (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 underpins a vulnerable defense.
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton): Explosive dribbler (1.8 successful take-ons/match), his pace on the left could exploit Calafiori’s positioning errors.
Danny Welbeck (Brighton): The return of an experienced striker brings deception: five goals despite limited minutes; his connection with Pedro could cause opposition.
Probably XI
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Salba, Ricardo Caalaarari, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegarard; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Bart Use; James Millner, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Maxim The Cuyper; Mats Wiffer, Carlos Baleba; Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro, Yankuba Minteh; Danny Welbeck.
Prediction
Arsenal’s firepower and home fortress must prevail in a controlled affair. Despite Brighton’s guts, Hürzeler concedes 1.5 goals against top teams versus Arsenal, a 71% chance of winning according to simulations. Gyökeres scores first, Saka assists on second post-restart – expect less than 3.5 goals given Brighton’s resilience. Arsenal won 2-0, extending their lead to eight points and silencing doubters. A draw at Brighton is tempting if Martinelli sits, but Arteta’s rotation is paying off. Festive joy for the Gunners; Seagulls on the ground.
As stated on GoonerNews.com
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