Arsenal vs Brighton Predictions- Pundits Lawro, Shearer, Merson back Gunners to win

The first Premier League game in GW3 this weekend sees Arsenal host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. Both sides are unbeaten as on GW2, and will be looking to maintain their 100% record. Here is what the pundits feel.

Paul Merson

Merson thinks a win is an “absolute necessity” for the Gunners, and thought they nicked a win off Villa last weekend, with AVFC being the better side in the second half.

Merson adds that while Hurzeler has made a dream start to his life as BHAFC Albion and that his side will make it tough for the Gunners, Mikel Arteta’s men will have “just enough” to come away with all three points. Has gone for a 2-1 Arsenal win.

Chris Sutton

At the BBC, Sutton thinks Arsenal’s GW2 victory was a “bit of a statement” because Villa had done a home and away league double over them in 23/24.

Adds that Brighton are “brave” and “will back themselves” but Arsenal, with home advantage, should win 2-0.

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Referee appointed for Arsenal vs Brighton- Gunners unbeaten in last 3 seasons under him

Chris Kavanagh has been appointed as referee for the crunch GW3 clash between Arsenal and Brighton this weekend (24/25 season). Both teams are unbeaten and are in the top four as of Week 2, which means one of the two could potentially lose that status this weekend. The Gunners are also yet to concede a goal in the PL this campaign (GS 4, GA 0)

Arsenal recent games under Chris Kavanagh as referee (2023/24, 2022/23 and 2021/22 seasons)

Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal (23/24)
Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal (23/24)
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal (22/23)
Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth (22/23)
Leeds 0-1 Arsenal (22/23)
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds (21/22)

Chris Kavanagh football referee

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xG Stats Brighton vs Man Utd 2024 Garnacho chance Zirkzee Offside | BHAFC 2-1 MUFC

Here is a look at the xG (expected goals) stats from Brighton v Manchester United (official crowd attendance of 31,537). BHAFC won the game 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Joao Pedro.

United were left ruing a huge missed opportunity at 1-1 when Garnacho had an empty net to shoot at, but team mate Joshua Zirkzee ended up making contact with his shot, leading to the goal being disallowed for offside.

xG Brighton 1.62-1.19 Man Utd shots map (Actual score BHA 2-1 MUN)

1-0 Welbeck goal vs Man Utd xG 0.72
1-1 Amad Diallo goal vs Brighton xG 0.08
2-1 Joao Pedro header goal vs Man Utd xG 0.16

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