At least one of the four Premier League teams to make perfect starts to the season is guaranteed to drop points this weekend as Arsenal welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to the Emirates Stadium, with both sides coming off the back of statement wins.
After a comprehensive victory over Everton to kick off their season, the Seagulls welcomed Manchester United to The Amex last weekend, and, despite some defensive frailty and disjointed attacking moves, a stoppage-time winner from João Pedro secured all three points for Fabian Hürzeler’s side.
As for the Gunners, they avenged the painful defeat Aston Villa inflicted upon them at the back end of last season, with goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey sealing an impressive 2-0 victory away at the fortress that has become Villa Park.
Mikel Arteta’s men controlled proceedings both times the two sides met last season, with Albion failing to score on either occasion.
However, Hürzeler’s men have scored at will thus far and will back themselves to beat Arsenal’s formidable defence this weekend.
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Team News
Arsenal
After not being included in the matchday squad at Villa Park after picking up a groin injury in training, Gabriel Jesus is expected to miss Saturday’s game as well; although the problem is not believed to be serious.
The Brazilian striker joins Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) on the list of players unavailable to Arteta ahead of the Seagulls’ visit to North London.
In more positive news for Gooners, this weekend could see Mikel Merino make his Arsenal debut after the club finally completed the signing of the Spain midfielder earlier this week from Real Sociedad for a fee that could reach £31.6m.
However, any minutes for the 28-year-old will likely be off the bench for now.
Meanwhile, there will be no surprises if Leandro Trossard makes the starting XI against his former club, with the Belgian making an instant impact after replacing an out-of-sorts Gabriel Martinelli against Aston Villa.
Brighton
While Arsenal may get to flaunt their newest midfield signing this weekend, Brighton will unfortunately not have the same luck after Matt O’Riley, who joined from Celtic only on Monday, was forced off after nine minutes during Tuesday’s evening Carabao Cup tie against Crawley Town following a reckless challenge.
“Like we expected, it’s a bad injury; he needs surgery on his ankle. I can’t say how long we expect him to be out; we have to see how rehab will go,” remarked Hürzeler.
The London-born Dane will join Solly March (knee) on Albion’s absentee list for the trip to North London, while fellow summer signings Brajan Gruda and Mats Wieffer face late fitness checks.
In his pre-match press conference, Hürzeler confirmed that there was an ‘opportunity’ for Ferdi Kadioglu to play some sort of role this weekend after the Turkey international, who had an enormously impressive Euros 2024 campaign, joined the Seagulls from Fenerbahçe earlier this week.
The versatile full-back could take his place on the bench alongside Evan Ferguson, who appeared in the matchday squad for the first time this season in the midweek cup tie.
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Likely Line-ups
Arsenal (4-3-3)
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Partey, Ødegaard (c); Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Steele; Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk (c), Hinshelwood; Milner, Gilmour; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
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Key Players
Arsenal - Bukayo Saka
It seems blindingly obvious to say that Bukayo Saka will most likely be a decisive player for Arsenal, with the young England international scoring 16 goals and creating nine last season.
However, Hürzeler’s tactics could result in even more joy than usual for the winger.
After a somewhat mixed Euros campaign, Saka has already shown himself to be in the same scintillating form this season as last, having a goal and two assists to his name already, including a thundering finish and perfectly placed cross for Kai Havertz in Gameweek One against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Hürzeler generally opting to put players forward and play a high line when his team is in possession, there will be acres of space for Saka to exploit, as was the case for Manchester United’s forwards last weekend.
Amad Diallo charged in behind Albion’s high line on the hour mark to fire his side level, and moments later, Bruno Fernandes also found himself in plenty of space before setting Alejandro Garnacho up for a simple finish, which was eventually disallowed for offside.
If the Red Devils’ disjointed attack was able to create chaos for the Brighton defenders, then Saka, with Martin Ødegaard behind him, should have absolutely no issue using his blistering pace and clinical finishing to secure a third successive win for his side.
Brighton - Danny Welbeck
Arsenal’s formidable defence conceded only 29 goals last season and have kept clean sheets in each of their matches this campaign; thus, chances will be far and few between for Albion on Saturday, meaning when one does arise, it must be taken.
Fortunately for Seagulls fans, Danny Welbeck has started the season in fine form, scoring goals in both league games and is, therefore, perfectly poised to come back to haunt his former side.
The veteran striker has already shown this season that he can still score goals in multiple ways, stroking the ball home from the edge of the box at Goodison Park following a swift counter and placing himself perfectly between the United centre-backs for a simple tap-in.
If Brighton are to extend their winning start, it is crucial that the former England international is firing on all cylinders and that his teammates can create at least one golden opportunity for him.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The much-anticipated battle between two of the only four teams to possess a 100 per cent record thus far will be contested at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
This will be the ninth occasion the sides have met at what has been the Gunners’ home since leaving Highbury in 2006.
What time is kick-off?
For the second weekend in a row, Brighton will kick off on Saturday’s early time slot of 12:30pm.
Seagulls fans will be hoping the kick-off time can prove good to them again as they seek to topple another of the traditional 'big six'.
How can I watch?
For those not attending the Emirates in person, the game will be shown live on TNT Sports.
Highlights will also appear on the broadcaster's YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle in North London.
