Brighton host Arsenal in the fifth round of the Premier League, with the visitors aiming to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. Pinnacle888 makes Arsenal clear favourites, but Brighton’s recent form suggests the home side could provide a serious test.
Brighton
Brighton sit fifth in the Premier League with seven points. Their meeting with last season’s champions will be a demanding test, although the bookmakers have not ruled out a strong performance from the hosts.
The Seagulls have won their past two matches. They beat Manchester United 3-2 in the League Cup before producing a 5-0 Premier League victory over Coventry City.
Brighton have won three of their past five matches in all competitions, adding weight to the view that Arsenal may face a difficult afternoon.
Arsenal
Arsenal, like Manchester City, have gone through the opening four rounds without defeat and will be determined to extend that run. The Gunners will need to approach the match seriously if they are to take all three points away from home.
With the international break approaching, Arsenal will want to finish their final club fixture before the pause with another victory. Their latest result was a 4-2 away win over Ipswich Town in the League Cup, while they had earlier beaten Sunderland 2-0.
Arsenal have won seven of their past 10 away matches in all competitions, another statistic reflected in the bookmakers’ prices.
Pinnacle888 odds
- Brighton to win – 4.9 - Draw – 4 - Arsenal to win – 1.7
Four of the clubs’ past five meetings have produced fewer than 2.5 goals.
Prediction
The recommended selection is an Arsenal win at odds of 1.7, combined with more than 2.5 goals at 1.75. The visitors’ consistency away from home makes them the preferred outcome, while recent results between the sides offer a mixed indication on the expected number of goals.