Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Arsenal side will host Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
The Gunners advanced to this stage after seeing off third-division side Port Vale in the previous round, while Fabian Hurzeler’s men booked their place in emphatic style, registering consecutive 6-0 victories over Oxford United and Barnsley — becoming the first team in the competition’s history to achieve such a feat.
Arsenal approach Wednesday’s contest on the back of a narrow 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, a result that saw them open up a four-point lead at the top of the table. Brighton, on the other hand, endured a tough evening at Old Trafford, falling 4-2 to Manchester United.
Read our Arsenal vs Brighton predictions and preview below, and remember to check our other EFL Cup tips.
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Arsenal vs Brighton predictions: Red-hot Gunners aim to extend winning streak
Key stats:
- Arsenal have recorded victories in 11 of their 13 matches this season across all competitions, including each of their last seven.
- Brighton have failed to find the net in only one of their 11 games in the 2025–26 campaign.
- Over 10.5 corners have been recorded in three of Brighton’s last four matches.
- We have seen both teams score in the last two head-to-head meetings between the sides.
Correct score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
Arteta’s men have established themselves as one of the most defensively resolute sides in Europe at this early stage of the season, conceding just three goals in 13 games across all competitions. However, with a few fitness concerns in their backline and the likelihood of squad rotation for this midweek tie, that normally solid rearguard could be breached.
Nonetheless, the North Londoners possess the quality and depth to get the job done, and their strong home form should give them the edge.
Pre-match analysis: Hosts tipped as heavy favourites
- HOME: 10/21 (1.48) – 67.6%
- DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- AWAY: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change*
It comes as little surprise that Arsenal are viewed as clear favourites for this encounter given their dominant run of results. The Gunners have been handed a 67.6% win probability, which is more than triple that of their visitors, who stand at 17.4%.
Our hot tip of over 9.5 corners is priced at 1.62 odds, which presents solid value considering the hosts’ tendency to force set pieces.
Most recent H2H: Stalemates in recent meetings
The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 1-1 league draw at the American Express Stadium, mirroring the result from the reverse fixture. Both games demonstrated how evenly matched these teams can be when at full strength.
England Premier League 04/01/25
Brighton
Arsenal
England Premier League 31/08/24
Arsenal
Brighton
England Premier League 06/04/24
Brighton
Arsenal
England Premier League 17/12/23
Arsenal
Brighton
England Premier League 14/05/23
Arsenal
Brighton
Arsenal preview: Fresh injury concerns for Arteta
Arsenal face a growing list of injury worries heading into this fixture. William Saliba, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Martinelli all picked up knocks during the win over Crystal Palace, making their involvement on Wednesday uncertain. They join an existing list of absentees that includes Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, and captain Martin Odegaard.
Predicted XI: Kepa (GK), White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Merino, Nwaneri; Gyokeres & Trossard
Arsenal’s last five results:
- 26/10/25: Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace (W)
- 21/10/25: Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid (W)
- 18/10/25: Fulham 0-1 Arsenal (W)
- 04/10/25: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham (W)
- 01/10/25: Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos Piraeus (W)
Brighton preview: Hurzeler to name a stronger side
Brighton remain without long-term absentees Jack Hinshelwood, Adam Webster, and Solly March, who are still recovering from injuries. Meanwhile, Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman, and Brajan Gruda, who missed the weekend defeat at Manchester United, are doubts for this tie.
Hurzeler is expected to field a much stronger lineup than in previous rounds, with several first-team regulars likely to return to the fold.
Predicted XI: Steele (GK), Wieffer, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper, Milner, Ayari, Gomez, Rutter, Minteh & Welbeck
Brighton’s last five results:
- 25/10/25: Manchester United 4-2 Brighton (L)
- 18/10/25: Brighton 2-1 Newcastle (W)
- 05/10/25: Wolves 1-1 Brighton (D)
- 27/09/25: Chelsea 1-3 Brighton (W)
- 23/09/25: Barnsley 0-6 Brighton (W)
Player to watch: Viktor Gyokeres
While a couple of Arsenal players share past connections with Brighton — notably Leandro Trossard — all eyes will be on Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward will be eager to make his mark against his former club, where opportunities were scarce during his earlier career.