Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion prediction and odds ahead of Carabao Cup clash

The Premier League leaders welcome the EFL Cup record-breakers to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, as Arsenal take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round. The Gunners narrowly avoided an upset against Port Vale in their opening fixture, while Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side made headlines with a remarkable second consecutive 6-0 victory, this time over Barnsley in the third round.

Looking ahead to May, EFL Cup success alone might be seen as underachievement for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, given their current form and ambitions on multiple fronts. The North London club hasn’t lifted the League Cup since 1993, falling short in several finals and semi-finals since, but Arteta’s deep and talented squad puts them in a strong position to contend for silverware this season.

Arsenal were made to work for their 2-0 win over Port Vale in the third round of the 2025-26 tournament, with goals from Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard proving decisive. Eze was also the match-winner in Sunday’s Premier League London derby against his former club Crystal Palace. The Gunners have enjoyed a stellar run, taking advantage of defeats for Liverpool and Manchester City in gameweek nine to open up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League, with Bournemouth now their closest challengers.

Unbeaten in their last 10 matches and on a seven-game winning streak, Arsenal have kept five consecutive clean sheets across all competitions. However, Brighton’s explosive EFL Cup form suggests their defense will face a stern test.

Brighton have already made history in this season’s EFL Cup, becoming the first team ever to win back-to-back matches by six goals or more. After thrashing Oxford United 6-0, the Seagulls repeated the feat against Barnsley, with Diego Gomez netting four times—the first player to do so in an EFL Cup away game since Julio Baptista for Arsenal in 2007.

Despite their recent heroics, the fourth round has traditionally been a stumbling block for Brighton, who have not reached the EFL Cup quarter-finals since the 1978-79 season and have exited at this stage four times in the past five years. Their momentum was also checked by a 4-2 Premier League defeat to Manchester United on Saturday, ending a five-match unbeaten run.

Nevertheless, Brighton have fond memories of EFL Cup trips to the Emirates, having knocked Arsenal out in the third round of the 2022-23 competition. Both Premier League meetings between the sides last season ended in draws, setting the stage for another closely contested encounter.

Arsenal vs Brighton Betting Tips

• Arsenal and both teams to score - 2/1 (Betfred)
• Bukayo Saka to score anytime - 7/4 (Betfred)
• Charalampous Kostoulas to score anytime - 18/5 (Betfred)

18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change

Gamble responsibly

Everyone at The Inside Track and Reach are committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.

We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org.