Match Overview

The 1/8 final match of the English League Cup between Arsenal and Brighton will take place on October 29 at the Emirates Stadium in London. Arsenal – Brighton: prediction and bet, odds, statistics.

Arsenal Team Analysis

The Londoners have played one match in the current tournament, defeating League One representative Port Vale away with a score of 2:0. Before this, the team had two losses in this tournament, which occurred in the semifinals of the last draw. Recall that in spring, Mikel Merino’s team lost both matches to Newcastle with an identical score of 0:2. It is also worth noting that the “Gunners” have not drawn in 10 consecutive English League Cup matches (5 wins and 5 losses).

Arsenal Key Statistics

• Arsenal’s uncompromising home streak in this tournament consists of 16 matches – 10 wins and 6 losses.
• At least 3 goals have been scored in 11 of the “Gunners'” previous 15 home games in the English League Cup.
• The score was 1:0 at halftime in 6 of the last 8 matches of the Londoners in this tournament.

Arsenal Probable Lineup (4-3-3)*

Kepa – William Saliba, Miles Lewis-Skelly, Cristian Mosquera, Ben White – Christian Nørgaard, Ethan Nwaneri, Eberechi Eze – Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino.

Arsenal Injury Report

Forwards Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus, as well as midfielder Martin Ødegaard, are injured.

Brighton Team Analysis

Fabian Hürzeler’s team, on the other hand, has already played two matches. Their opponents were clubs from lower divisions, and in both games, the team easily won, both away: Oxford United and Barnsley (both games ended with a score of 6:0). It is worth noting that the club has 4 wins in its last 5 English League Cup games. Interestingly, Brighton has reached the 1/8 final stage of this cup for the first time since the 2014/15 season.

Brighton Key Statistics

• The club has not lost in 10 of its previous 12 games in this tournament (8 wins and 2 draws).
• Four or more goals have been scored in Brighton’s last five English League Cup matches.
• At least one team failed to score in 4 of the club’s previous away matches in this tournament.

Brighton Probable Lineup (4-3-3)*

Jason Steele – Joël Veltman, Diego Coppola, Olivier Boscagli, Ferdi Kadıoğlu – James Milner, Diego Gómez, Carlos Baleba – Danny Welbeck, Stefanos Tsimas, Thomas Watson.

Brighton Injury Report

Defender Solly March and midfielder Jack Hinshelwood are out due to injuries.

Referee Review

Sam Barrott (England)

Referee Statistics

Matches – 29 (EPL and English League Cup, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 138;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 21;

Penalties – 21%.

Match Prediction: Arsenal vs Brighton

After the 9th round matches, the “Gunners” continue to confidently lead the championship, with the gap from their closest pursuer growing to 4 points. It is very important for the team to maintain this handicap to finally win the Premier League. In addition, everything is going well for the Londoners in the Champions League, where they have achieved maximum results after 3 matches. But does the club need the English League Cup? I think Mikel Arteta will rest his leaders, as two major tournaments are much more important.

Brighton’s Approach and Head-to-Head

Brighton, on the other hand, is not playing in European competitions and also has problems in the championship, where they are currently in the bottom half of the table. Therefore, they should try to prove themselves in one of the national cups. I predict that even if the team loses, it is unlikely to be by a large margin. Especially since Brighton is very strong away from home in this tournament, where they have not lost by a margin of two or more goals in 14 consecutive matches. In addition, in their last five head-to-head encounters at home in the EPL and English League Cup, Arsenal has only beaten this opponent once (1 draw and 3 losses).

Expert Betting Tip

My prediction – “Brighton with a handicap (+1.5)” with odds of 1.73

* For each team, the starting lineup from its last match in this tournament is indicated.