Brighton fans have seen their team score plenty of goals so far this season with 26 in 15 but they have also been suspect at the back at times – conceding 20.  Their home games have seen an average of 2.43 goals per game, but in their last five at the Amex they have scored ten and conceded six. Their four home games with De Zerbi in charge have seen this selection land twice, with nine goals scored in that time, but the averages suggest that they should have seen more.

Against Nottingham Forest they racked up a massive 2.34 expected goals for but could not hit the target and amassed one against Spurs despite failing to score there. They are not afraid to play the big teams, and have taken the game to the Big Six sides on several occasions. This selection landed at Manchester United (1-2), Liverpool (3-3) and Manchester City (3-1), whilst they beat Chelsea 4-1 at home. Whilst many teams would sit back, Brighton will attack, sometimes at the expense of their defence. Their last seven home games against Arsenal have seen 19 goals, and both sides have scored on five occasions.

Arsenal have been commended for their defence this season by many, and rightly so. However, whilst many teams have sat back to try and stifle the attack, Brighton will attack the Gunners. Arsenal have plenty of fire power to make this selection land by themselves, and they have amassed at least one expected goal in all but one of their league games so far this season.

They have enough attacking talent to score a few goals here, but Leeds showed that they can be attacked and chances can be created against them. Whilst Leeds lost 1-0, they had a massive 2.35 expected goals for (including a penalty) and Arsenal were very fortunate that day. Over 2.5 goals has landed in 67% of their games so far this season and given the two teams’ style of play, I expect goals here again.

Leandro Trossard has grown to become a massive part of this Brighton attack over the past few years and was rewarded with a spot on the plane for Belgium as they headed to the World Cup. Whilst he had to settle for two substitute appearances and just one start as the Red Devils crashed out early, the opportunity was fully deserved.

His versatility has made him a vital asset and he is not afraid to get forward and have a shot. In 15 starts so far this season, he has had 36 shots, 15 of which have been on target. This selection has landed on nine occasions in that time, and he has scored against Chelsea and Manchester City as well as a hattrick against Liverpool. He also had two shots in each of his games against Manchester United, Newcastle and Spurs.

This suggests that against the best sides in the division, he becomes even more integral to how Brighton want to play and he is given more license to venture forward. His minutes should be nailed and without MacAllister he should be on both penalties and free kicks which could give him even more opportunities. He managed a shot on target in each of the games against Arsenal last season from seven shots and also managed to find the back of the net at the Emirates in April.

Martin Odegaard has become a key part of this Arsenal attack over the past few seasons and has been made captain to reward his good performances. He has taken the responsibility in his stride and has managed six goals from 36 shots this season, at an average rate of 2.78 shots per 90 minutes – one of the highest in the Arsenal side.

He amassed six shots against West Ham and had two assists in that game too, backing up his three shots, two goal performance at Wolves just before the break. In away games this season he has had 15 shots in seven league games from the right-hand side. Four of his six league goals have come on the road showing that he is not afraid of playing away from the Emirates and will likely get plenty of opportunities here too.

He should be nailed to play 80+ minutes and will be given even more responsibility and license to push forward given that Gabriel Jesus is out – just like he was last time out against the Hammers where Odegaard had a massive six shots. The Norwegian also splits direct free kicks with Saka and so might be presented with an opportunity from a set piece. Last season he managed four shots including a goal against the Seagulls in a deeper role than he should play on Saturday.

Brighton rank among the highest for corner stats in the league, largely due to their use of width. At home this season they have had 56 corners in seven games, averaging eight per game. They have had at least five in every home game and at least eight corners in six of their last ten across the country. Their last six games at the Amex have all seen six or more corners for the home side.

Arsenal also tend to concede plenty of corners on the road. Away from home, they concede an average of 4.50 per game, and this selection has landed in 50% of those games, including in four of their last five. Brighton will take the game to them and therefore I can see De Zerbi trying to use the wing backs to get at Zinchenko and White in the wide areas to force corners.

In their home game last season against Arsenal, Brighton had eight corners. In fact, in all five of their home league games since their return to the top flight, this selection has landed and they have had 33 corners against the Gunners in those five games.