Game Week 3 Predictions: Arsenal to keep 100% record alive?

Arsenal vs. Brighton preview: Sterling debut, Trossard set to start, Seagulls aim to upset at the Emirates. Will Arsenal secure a third straight win?

Arsenal and Brighton will both put their 100% records on the line when they meet at the Emirates, who will remain unscathed? (Photo credit: 90Mins)

 Arsenal vs. Brighton

Emirates Stadium

12:30pm

Raheem Sterling arrived from Chelsea on loan on a bizarre transfer deadline day for Arsenal, not what the fans had anticipated at the start of the window, but they can count on his experience and impact as the season progresses.

Brighton is in a good place, with a young manager who seems to understand the game like he’s been around forever, a pack of wolves who just want to shine, and a fan base who won’t stop believing; the ceiling is high for the Seagulls; they won’t be pushed aside easily.

Arsenal brought in Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, but they have been told the midfielder won't be available for up to six weeks at least after injuring his shoulder in training. The Gunners will hope no further injury befalls their midfield with Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe no longer at the club.

In Brighton’s opening two games, their pattern was clear to see. Fabian Hurzelaar loves to stretch the pitch and drive oppositions wide, loading one side and then launching attacks through the other; Arsenal must be wary of that.

Last weekend, they followed up a comprehensive 3-0 win at Everton on the opening day with a strong 2-1 home win over Manchester United, with Joao Pedro scoring the winner at the death.

Arsenal beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park, but, like their opening day win at home against Wolves, it wasn’t a vintage performance, but it was efficient. When the Seagulls visit on Saturday, Arsenal will need more of the same.

The visitors will remain unchanged, with Carlos Baleba expected to replace Billy Gilmour in midfield, as he has joined Napoli from Brighton. Pervis Estupinian returned in midweek for the Seagull’s 4-0 win over Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal will line up almost the same way they did last weekend, but Leandro Trossard is expected to start ahead of Gabriel Martinelli; the Belgian was on target against his old club last season, and he will hope to do it again on Saturday.

Brighton, with Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra on either flank, could pose a threat to Arsenal on the break, even though Arsenal will see more ball. Danny Welbeck, who has already scored in both of his games this season, could potentially score against Arsenal.

Arsenal won the two legs last season, but Brighton has a relatively good record at the Emirates over the last six meetings, losing only on two occasions. It’s a game that will set the weekend ablaze. What a way to start the weekend fixtures.

Verdict: Arsenal to win