Arsenal FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Arsenal FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion Match Prediction & Analysis

Arsenal have given themselves the best possible chance of starting next season on a high by finishing the current season in the same fashion.

Despite struggling through one of the most difficult season’s in their recent history, Arsenal have fought back in recent games in order to guarantee a top half finish. 

Should Everton, West Ham or Spurs fail to win their final matches, Arsenal will push above them, meaning that the Gunners could finish as high as 6th, although this is unlikely. What is likely, however, is that Arsenal’s fans will give them a good send off, with up to 10,000 in attendance.

Brighton came out on the winning side of a late-season thriller, coming from behind to beat Manchester City 3-2. The Seagulls have shown for much of the season just how much quality they possess, but for the most part haven’t been able to convert that into points.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Arsenal FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WDWWW

Original predicted finish: 6th 

Likely finish: 7th 

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Four wins on the bounce in the league is great form

     Beat Brighton earlier in the season

Reasons to be fearful:

     Only just won against Palace in injury time

     Inconsistency is always a problem for the Gunners

Arsenal are ending this season with the kind of form that would have secured them a top four finish if they had played like this all the way through.

In truth, four wins on the bounce, perhaps five if they win here, will not be enough to disguise what a disappointing campaign it has been, with too many experienced players failing to live up to their usual standards.

The quality shown has come from youngsters, with the likes of Smith Rowe, Saka and Martinelli proving most of the highlights. The fans will be most excited to see these young players shine, rather than others.

They certainly have the tools to fire them to victory here. A 1-0 win was enough earlier in the season, but the Gunners are arguably a better team now than they were back in December

Star Man – Bukayo Saka

Has lit up this Arsenal side on many occasions this season, and will relish playing in front of fans here.

Brighton & Hove Albion Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LWLDW

Original predicted finish: 15th 

Likely finish: 16th 

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Brilliant comeback win over Man City will boost confidence

     Only lost one of their last six meetings with Arsenal

Reasons to be fearful:

     Arsenal have more of an incentive to win this one

     Will their motivation still be high?

For Brighton to earn 41 points this season has been a positive result.

They have a squad with plenty of quality, though they’ve struggled to collect the points they should have in certain games, which is why it took until a week or so ago until their safety was finally confirmed.

With those 41 points, they’ve matched last season’s finish with one game to spare, as well as beating the previous two seasons they been in the Premier League.

Despite that, there will be the feeling that this club can grow even further next season, if their recruitment is good enough, and will see no reason why they can’t push towards a mid-table finish this time next year.

Their record against Arsenal is good over the years, but with the Gunners pushing for a top six finish, can Brighton match their opponent’s motivation?

Star Man – Leandro Trossard

Scored the first goal in their comeback win over City and has been one of Brighton’s better players all round this season