ARSENAL will look to ensure they remain hot on the heels of Premier League leaders Manchester City when they entertain Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta's men solidified the notion that they are here to stay in the title race with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Newcastle last Sunday.
That St James' Park success means the Gunners sit one point behind the Sky Blues having played a game more ahead of this weekend's action.
With City facing a potential banana skin at Everton on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will look to fulfil their end of the bargain when they come up against Brighton.
After toppling Manchester United last midweek, the Seagulls were brought back down to earth with a bump when being eviscerated 5-1 by Everton Monday, on an evening where my BTTS bet banked.
That bruising setback has dented Albion's dreams of qualifying for the Champions League but they are still firmly in the race for a European finish as the season reaches the final furlong.
Outright Betting
Arsenal, who have won 13 of their 17 Premier League home games this season, enter their penultimate Emirates outing as short priced 8/11 (Bet 365) favourites.
Brighton & Hove Albion fell to defeat in December's reverse fixture and the bookmakers' odds suggest they will suffer the same fate here, with the visitors 7/2 (Bet 365) underdogs while the draw can be backed at 14/5 (Bet 365).
Betting Angles
Arsenal are too short to side with at the above-mentioned price but coupling up a home win with a minimum of one Brighton booking will bring about a backable 10/11 (Bet 365) Bet Builder.
As already alluded to, the Emirates has been somewhat of a fortress for Arsenal this season and Mikel Arteta's men could pick apart the bones of a Brighton defence that was breached five times by relegation-threatened Everton last time out.
What's more, the Gunners go into this game knowing that they can ill afford any slip ups between now and the season if they are to pinch the title from under the noses of Man City and their victory at Newcastle showcased that they have the necessary mettle to say in touch with the table-topping Citizens
While Brighton have proven time and time again they can't be underestimated, I suspect Arsenal's greater need for the points will ensure they safely negotiate another stern test this weekend.
The price on an Arsenal victory can be given a nice nudge by backing Brighton to pick up a card – something the Seagulls have done in nine of their previous 10 Premier League assignments.
It's also worth noting that the hosts have drawn at least one card from each of their 16 guests in the top-flight this term, not to mention this particular 10/11 (Bet 365) Bet Builder would have paid out on 13 of those occasions.
One Brighton player in particular who could be worth considering to have his name taken is Moisés Caicedo who has been priced up at 3/1 (Bet 365).
The highly-rated Ecuadorian has racked up nine bookings in 32 Premier League appearances this season and he looks like a prime candidate to tackle his way into trouble at the Emirates.
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion will be played on May 14, 2023 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
