Brighton vs Arsenal Preview & Line-ups, January 4th 2025

The Amex Stadium will host a blockbuster Premier League clash on Saturday, January 4, 2025, as Brighton & Hove Albion, led by Fabian Hürzeler, take on Arsenal in what promises to be an enthralling contest. This marks Arsenal’s second game of the year, and Mikel Arteta’s men will be eager to maintain their early momentum in 2025 as they continue their charge for the title.

From tactical duels to the impact of star players, this match is set to deliver a spectacle for fans on both sides. Here’s GunnerHub‘s Brighton vs Arsenal preview & line-ups: including team news, key battles, and predictions for this crucial Premier League showdown.

For Brighton, the encounter offers a chance to establish their footing under Hürzeler’s dynamic management. With the Seagulls aiming to reclaim their form after a challenging festive period, this fixture presents an opportunity to make a significant statement against one of the league’s heavyweights.

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 5:30 PM GMT
• Venue: Amex Stadium, Brighton
• Referee: Anthony Taylor
• Where to Watch:
  • United Kingdom: Live broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League; streaming available via Sky Go.
  • United States: Live coverage on NBC Sports; streaming on Peacock.
  • International: Check local listings for broadcast details.

Recent Form

Arsenal

• Arsenal 3-1 Brentford (Premier League, 1st Jan 2025)
  Arsenal secured an impressive victory to begin the New Year, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino finding the back of the net. The Gunners combined defensive resilience with attacking efficiency to take all three points.
• Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town (Premier League, 28th Dec 2024)
  A closely fought contest saw Kai Havertz score the decisive goal, assisted by Leandro Trossard. Arsenal’s determination and focus helped them grind out a vital win against a stubborn Ipswich side.
• Arsenal 5-1 Crystal Palace (Premier League, 26th Dec 2024)
  Arsenal delivered a festive masterclass, dismantling Crystal Palace in a dominant display. Gabriel Jesus bagged a brace, while Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli added to the scoresheet in a commanding team performance.

Brighton

• Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League, 30th Dec 2024)
  Brighton displayed resilience to earn a point at Villa Park. Simon Adingra opened the scoring early, but Villa responded with goals from Ollie Watkins (penalty) and Morgan Rogers. A tactical triple substitution by manager Fabian Hürzeler revitalized the Seagulls, culminating in Tariq Lamptey‘s 81st-minute equalizer.

Team News

Arsenal

Arsenal face several selection challenges ahead of their clash with Brighton:

• Bukayo Saka – Thigh Injury: Saka underwent a procedure and is expected to be sidelined for over two months.
• Ben White – Knee Injury: White is out following surgery and is anticipated to return in March 2025.
• Raheem Sterling – Knee Injury: Sterling is currently unavailable due to a knee issue
• Jurrien Timber – Suspension: Timber is suspended for accumulating five yellow cards upcoming match.
• Kai Havertz – Illness: Havertz was withdrawn from the previous match due to illness and is being assessed for availability.
• Takehiro Tomiyasu – Knee Injury: Tomiyasu remains unavailable with no confirmed return date.

Manager Mikel Arteta will need to adjust his lineup to compensate for these absences, particularly in defense

Brighton

Brighton are managing several injury concerns ahead of the match:

• Danny Welbeck – Ankle/Foot Injury, Welbeck is dealing with an ankle/foot issue and is very doubtful for the remaining games this year.
• James Milner – Thigh Injury: Milner is undergoing rehabilitation for a thigh injury, with no clear timeframe for his return.
• Ferdi Kadioglu – Ankle/Foot Injury: Kadioglu is in rehabilitation for an ankle/foot injury; his return.
• Jack Hinshelwood – Knee Injury: Hinshelwood is recovering from a knee injury, with no definitive return d
• Adam Webster – Thigh Injury: Webster is expected to be out for two to three more weeks due to a thigh injury.
• Evan Ferguson – Knock: Ferguson is currently being assessed for a knock, with no specified return date.

Manager Fabian Hürzeler will need to utilize his squad depth to address these absences, particularly in defense and midfield.

Starting XI

Brighton & Hove Albion (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
• Right-Back: Joel Veltman
• Centre-Back: Igor Julio
• Centre-Back: Jan van Hecke
• Left-Back: Pervis Estupinan
• Defensive Midfield: Carlos Baleba
• Defensive Midfield: Matt O’Riley
• Central Midfield: Yasin Ayari
• Right Wing: Brajan Gruda
• Left Wing: Simon Adingra
• Striker: Joao Pedro

Arsenal (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: David Raya
• Right-Back: Thomas Partey
• Centre-Back: William Saliba
• Centre-Back: Gabriel Magalhaes
• Left-Back: Riccardo Calafiori
• Defensive Midfield: Jorginho
• Central Midfield: Mikel Merino
• Central Midfield: Declan Rice
• Right Wing: Ethan Nwaneri
• Left Wing: Leandro Trossard
• Striker: Gabriel Jesus

Key Tactical Battles

1. João Pedro vs William Saliba
   • João Pedro’s physicality and sharp movement make him a constant threat in the final third. However, he will face one of the Premier League’s top defenders in William Saliba. Saliba’s composure and ability to anticipate danger will be pivotal in neutralizing Pedro’s attacking influence and keeping Brighton’s attack in check.
2. Arsenal’s Midfield Trio vs Brighton’s Double Pivot
   • Arsenal’s dynamic midfield, featuring Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Jorginho, will battle Brighton’s well-drilled double pivot, including Carlos Baleba and Matt O’Riley. Arsenal will look to dominate possession and control the tempo, while Brighton’s midfield will aim to disrupt their rhythm and launch quick transitions.
3. Brighton’s Press vs Arsenal’s Build-Up Play
   • Brighton’s high press under Fabian Hürzeler will test Arsenal’s ability to play out from the back. With players like Gabriel and Saliba comfortable in possession, Arsenal will look to bypass the press and exploit spaces in Brighton’s defensive shape.
4. Set-Pieces
   • Both teams excel at set-pieces. Brighton’s towering defenders, such as Igor, and Arsenal’s aerial threats, including Gabriel Magalhães, make set-pieces a crucial factor in this game. The quality of delivery from Rice and Estupinan could be decisive.

These battles will play a significant role in determining the outcome of what promises to be a fiercely competitive match.

Prediction

Scoreline Prediction: Brighton 0-4 Arsenal

Arsenal’s attacking firepower and recent form suggest they are well-equipped to dominate this encounter. With Gabriel Jesus leading the line and Arsenal’s midfield dictating play, Brighton could struggle to contain the Gunners’ relentless pressure. A clean sheet for Arsenal would underline their defensive stability as well.

Player to Watch: Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus has been in scintillating form, showcasing his sharp finishing and off-the-ball movement. With a brace against Crystal Palace and a crucial goal against Brentford, he remains Arsenal’s most potent threat in front of goal. Brighton’s defense will have to be at their absolute best to keep him quiet.

Expect Arsenal to seize control early, capitalizing on their superior quality and confidence to secure a resounding victory.