Overview
- Premier League leaders Arsenal host Brighton at the Emirates on December 27, entering on 39 points and two clear of Manchester City.
- Mikel Arteta says Kai Havertz has returned to full training and is quite close to a squad return, while Gabriel Magalhaes remains in rehab and is unlikely to feature.
- After heavy midweek rotation, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres are expected to start across the front line.
- Arsenal have produced over 6 expected goals in their last three matches without an open‑play goal, with Gyokeres extending his run to 19 consecutive league penalties scored.
- Brighton travel winless in four with Lewis Dunk back from suspension and other absences through injury or AFCON, and Fabian Hurzeler has yet to win a Premier League match in December.