Game Week 5 Predictions: Arsenal to win at Brighton

Brighton must be wary of Arsenal's firepower when the two sides meet on Saturday. It's a game that will excite neutrals; can Arsenal...

Brighton must be wary of Arsenal's firepower when the two sides meet on Saturday. It's a game that will excite neutrals; can Arsenal win again? (Photo credit: DAZN)

 Brighton vs Arsenal

The Amex Stadium

3:00pm

The Premier League is heading into the international break after this round, like every other football league in the world, which makes it tough for anyone to lose this weekend, as the result will hover around for three weeks.

Chelsea suffered their heaviest defeat yet under Xabi Alonso, losing 3-0 at the G-Tech Community Stadium on Friday night. The Bees now sit in third spot on the log following their heroics at home against the Blues. It's also important to stress that the Blues could be eight points off the top at the end of the weekend.

Brighton and Hove Albion enjoyed a night to remember at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The Seagulls came from two goals down to beat Manchester United 3-2 in their EFL Cup clash. The reward of that feat is a last 16 against holders Manchester City.

Arsenal swept Ipswich aside as expected in the League Cup, with youngster Max Dowman shining brightly again. The Hale End graduate scored twice as Arsenal ran out 4-2 winners at Portman Road, but the trip to Brighton will test them better.

Speaking of tests, Arsenal survived a physical battle at Sunderland last weekend. Bryan Brobbey led the Black Cats' attack, troubling Ezri Konsa all night; David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee's penalty before former Newcastle man Bruno Guimaraes fired home a scorcher to open scoring.

Bukayo Saka scored from the spot at the death to seal the win, but the defence must take credit for the precious result that took the Gunners to the top of the league last weekend. To go into the break with their leadership intact, Arsenal must win at the Amex.

Brighton has started the league well too. Seven points from a possible twelve represents something good for a club like Brighton, but Fabian Hurzelar wants more. Brighton is a free-scoring side, but they must go through a resolute Arsenal defence to achieve their aims.

Hurzelar confirms that none of the injured stars will return for this one, but the Nigerian duo of Yohan Zadok and Femi Azeez could see minutes after the break. We expect the Seagulls to line up as they did against Coventry last weekend, a game in which Brighton shipped five past the Sky Blues.

Mikel Arteta confirms that Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Christian Mosquera are all available, which means that William Saliba is the only injured Arsenal player. Expect a similar lineup, but Bruno Guimaraes might start in midfield in place of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

We expect an expansive game on Saturday between two teams that favour free-flowing football. Arsenal got the better of the Seagulls at both ends last season. Will Arsenal maintain their momentum at the top with a win?

Verdict: Arsenal to win.