The Gunners were defeated 1-0 by Villa last Saturday before drawing 1-1 against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday in what was effectively a dead-rubber in the UEFA Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s side will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon when Roberto De Zerbi and Co arrive in the capital.

But the Seagulls have enjoyed an excellent record at the Emirates in recent times, winning their last three away games against Arsenal. Ahead of kickoff, Gunners hero Paul Merson has delivered his score prediction, backing his former club to come out on top.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: “Brighton are a funny team – you never know what you’re going to get from them. They should have beat Burnley last weekend, but they only managed a 1-1 draw, while they also have a UEFA Conference League game tonight (Thursday) before they travel to the Emirates Stadium.

“Arsenal lost to Aston Villa last weekend, but I actually thought they played really well. They conceded an early goal but fluffed so many chances to get back into the game, which could come back to haunt them in the title race. Martin Odegaard, especially, had two glorious chances to score, but he failed to put the ball into the back of the net.

“If Arsenal want to be in the title race, they need to beat Brighton, more so with a trip to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool on the horizon. I don’t think this game is a foregone conclusion, but I expect the Gunners to return to winning ways.”

Former Chelsea frontman Chris Sutton also delivered his predictions for Sunday’s match. Like Merson, he sees the result going in favour of the north London outfit.

“The bottom line is that Brighton play in the Europa League on Thursday evening, which makes this trip even harder for them when going to Emirates Stadium is difficult enough anyway,” Sutton told the BBC.

“Arsenal will feel hard done by after their defeat at Aston Villa. They created enough chances to win that game and, with Brighton leaking goals the way they are, I can see them doing the same here. Only this time, they will take them.”