"There is more to come from Mikel Arteta's side" - Chris Sutton predicts result for Brighton vs Arsenal

Pundit Chris Sutton has predicted Arsenal will beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, January 4. The Gunners come into this tie on the back of four consecutive wins across competitions.

However, they need to keep this momentum going, given they're six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Predicting this fixture in favor of the north Londoners, Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):

"I was very impressed with the way Arsenal beat Brentford without any fuss on Wednesday. The Gunners were without Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice did not start, but it did not matter. They just got on with it and did not seem to panic when they went a goal down."

"With Brentford's home form being so strong I thought it would be a close game but it really wasn't in the end. It was a very mature performance which bodes well for the second half of the season, which is when Arsenal really got going last year."

He added:

"I would not describe this as an easy fixture for them, especially because they need to win it - Brighton have not won any of their past seven games but have drawn five of them and are turning into the Premier League's draw specialists."

"But there is more to come from Mikel Arteta's side and I look at them and think they will get the job done here too."

The Seagulls played out a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa away from home in their previous tie on December 30. They're 10th in the league standings heading into this fixture.

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Mikel Arteta provides update on Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz ahead of Brighton clash

Kai Havertz

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expects Kai Havertz to make the squad for the Gunners' upcoming Premier League clash against Brighton. The Germany international missed the 3-1 win over Brentford on New Year's Day due to illness.

His return will be a major boost for the Spanish tactician, given the ex-Chelsea star has contributed with 12 goals and three assists across competitions this season. When asked if Havertz would make the squad for the next match, Arteta told reporters (via the club's official website):

"Yes I think so."

It will be interesting to see where Havertz plays now that Gabriel Jesus is firing on all cylinders. If the Brazilian starts, the 25-year-old could feature in an attacking midfield role.