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American Express Stadium, Falmer
Saturday 19 September 2026, 15:00 BST
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Arsenal's unbeaten start to the season faces its toughest examination yet at the American Express Stadium, where an in-form Brighton side sit fifth heading into Saturday's Premier League meeting. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 BST.
Mikel Arteta's side have won all four league games so far and go into the weekend full of confidence after a routine EFL Cup win in midweek, while Fabian Hurzeler's hosts arrive on the back of a stunning comeback victory at Manchester United. Anyone weighing up the best UK bookmakers for football has plenty to consider before Saturday's kick-off.
Brighton vs Arsenal form and preview
Brighton have won two of their four Premier League matches so far this season, sitting fifth on seven points.
The Seagulls put four goals past Aston Villa on the opening weekend before a narrow defeat at Chelsea checked their momentum.
A 1-1 draw with Leeds United followed, and Brighton then returned to scoring form with a five-goal win at Coventry City last weekend.
Fabian Hurzeler's side produced arguably their result of the season in midweek, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Manchester United 3-2 in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford.
That comeback has lifted spirits on the south coast heading into a demanding weekend assignment against the league leaders.
Arsenal have made the perfect start to the season, winning all four league fixtures to sit top of the table on 12 points.
Arteta's side edged past Sunderland last weekend despite a penalty award against them, with David Raya saving the resulting spot kick.
A routine week continued with a 4-2 EFL Cup win over Ipswich Town, in which 16-year-old Max Dowman started and scored twice.
Saka has scored in three of Arsenal's four league outings and remains the club's central attacking threat.
Arsenal have also conceded just once in the league so far, a defensive record that has underpinned their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Team news: Brighton vs Arsenal
Brighton team news
Brighton's absentee list is heavily concentrated in attack and midfield rather than defence.
Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh and Stefanos Tzimas remain long-term absentees, while Jack Hinshelwood, Mats Wieffer and Evan Ferguson are also sidelined.
Jaouen Hadjam is a fresh doubt after picking up a knock in the midweek win at Old Trafford, and Femi Azeez and Michael Svoboda are also uncertain.
Georginio Rutter trained again this week having recovered from an ankle issue and is available for selection.
Hurzeler is expected to name a similar side to the one that started the win at Coventry, with Maxim De Cuyper retained in his left-wing role.
Brighton predicted lineup vs Arsenal
Verbruggen; Boscagli, Dunk, Vuskovic, Kadioglu; Gross, Ayari; De Cuyper, Yalcouye, Gomez; Kostoulas (4-2-3-1)
Arsenal team news
Arsenal's fitness concerns are concentrated at the back rather than further forward.
William Saliba remains out with a back problem that is expected to keep him sidelined for several more weeks.
Jurrien Timber was withheld from the midweek cup tie as a precaution rather than through a fresh setback, while Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are both doubts.
Dowman's eye-catching cup form is unlikely to earn him a starting recall this weekend, with Arteta expected to revert to his usual first-choice attack.
Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are all expected to keep their places against Brighton.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brighton
Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimaraes, Rice; Tzolis, Odegaard, Saka; Havertz (4-2-3-1)
Head-to-head: Brighton vs Arsenal
Arsenal hold a clear historical edge in this fixture, winning eight of the 18 Premier League meetings between the two clubs, with Brighton claiming five and five ending level.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last six league meetings with Brighton, winning four and drawing two since a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium in December 2023.
Arsenal completed the league double over Brighton last season, winning 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in December before a 1-0 success at the American Express Stadium in March.
Saturday's meeting is the first between the two sides in the league this season.
Our Brighton vs Arsenal prediction and tips
Arsenal head to the south coast as clear favourites in the betting, priced around 7/10 to maintain their winning start, with the draw at 3/1 and Brighton out at 15/4.
Anyone browsing brand new betting sites before kick-off will find a wide spread of markets for this one, from the straightforward match result through to player-specific props.
There is no shortage of welcome offers either, and our round-up of the best free bets from UK bookmakers is worth checking before placing anything on Saturday's game.
Those comparing markets for this fixture can also read our Ladbrokes bookie review to see how their football coverage for Saturday's game stacks up.
New customers weighing up that book might also want to check the Ladbrokes new customer offer before staking anything on Saturday's card.
- Arsenal have won all four league games this season, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
- Saka has scored in three of Arsenal's four league outings and is the leading candidate to open the scoring.
- Brighton's front line is missing Mitoma, Minteh, Ferguson and Hinshelwood, limiting Hurzeler's attacking options.
Adam is a freelance sports journalist with a decade of experience in the industry. Football is his passion, although he also follows darts and many other sports.
Adam supports Arsenal and local club Wealdstone, made famous by the Wealdstone Raider, who he has interviewed. Adam also follows the women's teams and the England national side.