Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday for a 15:00 GMT kick-off at the Amex Stadium. A win would take the Gunners three points clear at the top of the table, with second-placed Manchester City entertaining Sunderland on Sunday.

Arsenal have made a flying start to their title defence, winning all four league games. They also beat Napoli in the Champions League and progressed to the fourth round of the League Cup with a win at Ipswich. Including the Community Shield, Arsenal have won seven consecutive matches. Another victory on the south coast would equal the club's 123-year record for their best start to a campaign.

Last season, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler criticised Arsenal's style of play after a 1-0 defeat, saying "only one team tried to play football" and accusing Arsenal of "making their own rules". This week, Hurzeler refused to back down: "I think it's very important that in football there are opinions. I will definitely always share my opinion if I am asked. But, in the end, I congratulate Arsenal for being deserved champions." Mikel Arteta insisted there was no bad blood: "That's all done. That's all in the past. I have huge respect for Fabian."

Teenage playmaker Max Dowman starred against Ipswich in his first appearance this season, scoring twice. Arteta said: "The best way to knock on the door is to do it on the pitch, not in the office." The Spaniard also confirmed that contract talks are ongoing but he is relaxed about the situation.

Brighton have a lengthy injury list: Jaouen Hadjam, Femi Azeez, Evan Ferguson, Zadok Yohanna, Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh and Stefanos Tzimas are all out. Arsenal will welcome back Jurrien Timber, but Piero Hincapie, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are doubts, while William Saliba remains sidelined with a back injury. Opta's supercomputer gives Arsenal a 57% chance of winning, while Brighton have a 29% chance.

Source: www.aljazeera.com