Premier League leaders Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 27 December, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm at The Emirates. The Gunners topped the table on Christmas Day, and as we roll into 2026, Arteta’s side goes in search of their first league title in over 20 years. Find our match preview and best bets below.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on Arsenal’s defensive solidity and Brighton’s tendency for high-scoring games, here are our top betting recommendations for this clash. We’re especially confident in the Arsenal win, given their commanding league form and the Gunners’ excellent home record against Brighton.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal -1 match handicap | 6/5 @ SBK (71.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Arsenal are unbeaten at home in eight league outings this season and have won seven of those. On Saturday, they face a Brighton side who have failed to score in their last two and could struggle here. Five of Arsenal’s seven wins at The Emirates this season have been by a two goal or bigger margin and taking them on the -1 match handicap looks like a nice angle into the markets here. |
| Martin Odegaard Anytime Assist | 3/1 @ SBK (25.0%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | We can see Arsenal racking up a good few goals here, and one player prop bet we like the look of is Martin Odegaard to provide an assist at 3/1. Among players to play 500+ minutes in the Premier League this season, only Manchester City duo Jeremy Doku (3.4) and Rayan Cherki (3.2) have created more open play chances per 90 minutes than Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard (2.5), with the Norwegian creating four last time out against Everton. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into Arsenal vs Brighton
Arsenal sat top of the Premier League for Christmas for the fifth time along with 2002-03, 2007-08, 2022-23 and 2023-24 – they have never won the competition from that position. Two of those have been under Mikel Arteta – no manager has ever been top at Christmas three times and never then won the competition. The Gunners remain the bookmakers’ favourites to go on and lift the title at just 4/6, but with only two points back to Manchester City, fans will be nervously looking over their shoulder.
n their last game – a 0-0 draw with Sunderland – Brighton named the youngest starting XI in a Premier League match this season (23 years, 240 days) under the youngest manager in the competition (32 years, 297 days on 20 December), while also fielding the oldest player to appear in the competition in 2025-26 (substitute James Milner, aged 39 years and 350 days). Through 17 matches, the Seagulls sit 9th in the top-flight table, having collected 24 points.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 Premier League season to date.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1 | 17 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 31 | 10 | +21 | 39 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 9 | 17 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 23 | +2 | 24 |
Head-to-head
The last 18 meetings between Arsenal and Brighton have been closely fought, with Arsenal holding a narrow edge (7 wins to Brighton’s 6, with 5 draws). Recent contests have seen both teams get on the scoresheet and away wins are not uncommon, adding intrigue to this fixture.
Last 5 Meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 29/10/25 | Arsenal 2-0 Brighton | Premier League |
| 04/01/25 | Brighton 1-1 Arsenal | FA Cup |
| 31/08/24 | Arsenal 1-1 Brighton | Premier League |
| 06/04/24 | Brighton 0-3 Arsenal | Premier League |
| 17/12/23 | Arsenal 2-0 Brighton | Premier League |
Conclusion: Will Arsenal’s dominance continue?
Arsenal arrive as clear favourites, with the stats and form lines all pointing their way. Their defence is the tightest in the league and with Brighton failing to score in their last two, a comfortable home win could be on the cards. Take the 6/5 -1 match Handicap, and back Arsenal to win by two or more goals.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
