Fabian Hurzeler believes that if his Brighton team can close the small margins against Arsenal, they have a big opportunity to take three points from the league leaders. 

Brighton travel to the capital having gone four league games without a win, following defeats to Aston Villa and Liverpool as well as draws against West Ham and Sunderland.

It's a run of form that has seen them slip to ninth in the Premier League table, but the Seagulls remain within five points of Chelsea in the final Champions League place. 

Hurzeler's side have already played the Gunners this season, going down 2-0 in the EFL Cup in a game the Brighton boss believed his team created enough chances to win. 

And while left to rue those missed opportunities on their last visit to Emirates Stadium, Hurzeler is confident that his side can return to winning ways against Mikel Arteta's team. 

"The most important thing is to get the small margins right against Arsenal. To defend set-pieces well, to be good in and out of possession," Hurzeler told reporters.

"We have to stay alive for 90 minutes. But we can't go there with the mindset of thinking only about defending. We have to play with courage.

"We will try to bring our style of play on the pitch. We know that we can beat every team in the league, although it will be a big challenge. But we go there to win."

Back at it. pic.twitter.com/b4HxP9hC1k

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 23, 2025

Arsenal were involved in midweek action and progressed to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup after beating Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Kepa Arrizabalaga proved to be the hero in the shoot-out, repelling Maxence Lacroix's spot-kick after 14 perfect penalties to seal a date with Chelsea in the final four. 

The Gunners will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day and the Opta supercomputer has assigned them a 68.7% of topping the pile in its season simulations. 

Along with their impressive runs in the domestic competitions, Arsenal are also top of the 36-team Champions League table, something Arteta said highlights the consistency that his players have churned out since matchday one. 

"We are alive in all competitions, and the team is showing great signs of consistency, quality and togetherness," Arteta said.

"Today, we made eight changes and when that happens, it's really difficult to see a team that is so cohesive, and I'm really proud of what I've seen. 

"There were some very big individual performances as well. So, yes, a happy night."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal – Martin Odegaard

After missing six Premier League games with a knee injury, Odegaard has returned to the Arsenal setuup with a bang and will be keen to continue his fine form here. 

Indeed, among players to play 500+ minutes in the top flight 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 Odegaard (2.5), with the Norwegian creating four last time out against Everton.

Brighton – Brajan Gruda

After their stalemate against Sunderland, Brighton will be keen to return to winning ways at the Emirates, and Gruda could be key to their chances. 

Against the Black Cats, he finished the contest with team-high totals for chances created (four), successful dribbles (three), total duels (18) and passes into the final third (23). 

MATCH PREDICTION: ARSENAL WIN

Arsenal have won each of their last five Premier League home games. Only once under Arteta have they had a longer run at the Emirates, winning 10 in a row between April and December 2022.

However, the Gunners have won just three of their eight Premier League home games against Brighton (38%, D2 L3), only having a lower win rate against Wimbledon (25%) and Liverpool (36%) among sides they have faced five or more times.

All three of Arsenal's Premier League home wins against Brighton have been by a 2-0 scoreline (October 2017, May 2021, December 2023), failing to win any of their five against them at the Emirates when they have conceded (D2 L3).

Brighton are, however, winless in their last four Premier League games against Arsenal (D2 L2), though they did come from behind to draw 1-1 in both meetings last season.

The Seagulls have also failed to score in their last two Premier League matches, one of only two sides who failed to score on MD16 and MD17, along with Everton. They have not gone three games without a goal since January 2024.

And they will be hoping to give their supporters a long-awaited Christmas present. Brighton have never won a Premier League match in December under Hurzeler in 10 attempts (D6 L4). It's the most games ever overseen by a manager in December without winning.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Arsenal – 69.1%

Draw – 17.3%

Brighton – 13.6%