The Gunners’ Opportunity to Overshadow the Top of the Standings

London, Beritasatu.com – Arsenal has the opportunity to reduce the gap with leaders Liverpool when they travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton on Sunday (5/1/2025) early morning, at 00.30 WIB.

After a 3-1 win over Brentford this midweek, Arsenal managed to overtake Nottingham Forest back into second place. If they succeed in beating Brighton, Arsenal will reduce the gap with Liverpool to three points.

On paper, The Gunners-The nickname Arsenal has a big chance of winning the match later. No team has won more points in the Premier League than Arsenal with a score of 85.

While they also equaled their highest number of wins in a calendar year (26) in 2004. They will hope to replicate that again this year as they continue their quest for a first title since 2004.

Mikel Arteta’s men appear to have found their rhythm. Arsenal will try hard to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches against Brighton.

Meanwhile, Brighton had to fight hard when they drew 2-2 with Aston Villa. It was their third consecutive draw in the Premier League and left Brighton winless in seven games (drawn five, lost two).

However, Arsenal’s recent away record gives Brighton hope. The Gunners failed to maintain clean sheets in their last eight away games, after recording nine shootouts in their previous 10 games.

Kai Havertz, who missed Arsenal’s trip to Brentford due to illness, has a fantastic record against Brighton. He has scored goals in his last four Premier League games against Brighton, including all three since he joined the Gunners.

Asked whether Havertz would go to the Amex Stadium, Arteta said: “I think yes. Those who are sick, I think they will be fine. They will train today and if everyone is OK, they will be ready.”

His involvement could be very important because Arsenal will play without the injured Bukayo Saka. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also still absent.

Meanwhile, Brighton hopes to welcome back Pervis Estupinán and Adam Webster. However, players like Danny Welbeck, James Milner, Jack Hinshelwood and Ferdi Kadioglu are likely to be absent.

Estimated Player Lineup for Brighton vs Arsenal

Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Estupinan, Dunk, Hecke, Lamptey; Ayari, Baleba; Adingra, Rutter, Gruda; Pedro.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Kingdom; Lewis-Skelly, Magalhaes, Saliba, Calafiori; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Nwaneri.

Last 5 meetings Brighton vs Arsenal
8/31/2024 Arsenal 1-1 Brighton (Premier League)
6/4/2024 Brighton 0-3 Arsenal (Premier League)
17/12/2024 Arsenal 2-0 Brighton (Premier League)
14/5/2024 Arsenal 0-3 Brighton (Premier League)
1/1/2024 Brighton 2-4 Arsenal (Premier League).

Brighton’s last 5 matches (SKSSS)
8/12/ 2024 Leicester City 2-2 Brighton (Premier League)
15/12/ 2024 Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
21/12/ 2024 West Ham 1-1 Brighton (Premier League)
28/12/ 2024 Brighton 0-0 Brentford (Premier League)
12/31/ 2024 Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton (Premier League).

Arsenal’s last 5 matches (SMMMM)
14/12/ 2024 Arsenal 0-0 Everton (Premier League)
19/12/ 2024 Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace (EFL Cup)
12/22/ 2024 Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal (Premier League)
28/12/ 2024 Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town (Premier League)
2/01/ 2025 Brentford 1-3 Arsenal (Premier League).