Brighton vs Arsenal predictions: Seagulls can peck a hole in Gunners' title bid
Steve Davies
Brighton are fresh off a 2-1 win over Forest
Arsenal saw off Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday
Recommended bet: Brighton or Draw Double Chance
Arsenal's title ambitions undergo another stern examination this week with a trip to the Amex Stadium to take on dangerous Brighton.
The Gunners have dropped points on recent away days at Brentford and Wolves, and any tension will be exploited by an Albion side looking for a third straight win.
The latest Brighton vs Arsenal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Winger Solly March can expect more minutes for Albion after coming off the bench against Nottingham Forest on Sunday for his first appearance since April.
Yasin Ayari could also reappear after dislocating his shoulder against Everton six weeks ago.
Declan Rice is a doubt for Arsenal after limping off in the win over Chelsea, a match Martin Odegaard also missed as he still feels the after-effects of a knee issue.
Mikel Merino is Arsenal's only long-term absentee.
The stats
Brighton have won two in a row, 2-0 at Brentford and 2-1 against Nottingham Forest, and are bidding for three on the spin for the first time since May.
Arsenal have lost only three of 44 matches this season – the three losses came against sides currently in the Premier League top five, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United.
The Seagulls have been shown 68 yellow cards this season – only Tottenham have received more.
Viktor Gyokeres has been involved in six goals in his last seven away games (5 goals, 1 assist).
The latest Brighton vs Arsenal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Arsenal survived a scare against Chelsea at the weekend to keep their title ambitions just about on track, but this trip to the Sussex coast has all the makings of a tough night for Mikel Arteta's league leaders.
Brighton are mid-division and treading water, safe from relegation, yet unlikely to make a dart for Europe and out of the FA Cup.
And they have also won two in a row and fit the profile of a side like Brentford who, only a few weeks ago, held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Stadium.
A week later, the Gunners went to bottom club Wolves and were held 2-2 to the dismay of favourite backers everywhere.
Away games at this time of the season, when the title-chasing tension is palpable, do not come easy and this assignment looks treacherous.
Fabian Hurzeler's men have emerged from a six-game winless run with back-to-back successes over Brentford and Nottingham Forest and they are quite capable of raising their game, just as they did when beating Manchester City 2-1 at home earlier in the season.
Memories of Brentford and Wolves mean Arsenal are short enough.
They are not The Invincibles and the value has to lay with the visitors.
Back Brighton or Draw Double Chance at 59/50 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Brighton vs Arsenal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
