Premier League leaders Arsenal face a significant test of their title credentials this Saturday as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates Stadium. The traditional 3pm kick-off comes with a major frustration for supporters in the United Kingdom, who will be unable to watch the match live on television due to the long-standing broadcasting blackout.
Broadcast Blackout for UK Viewers
Despite the match's importance in the title race, it will not be shown live on any UK television channel. This is due to the 3pm Saturday blackout rule, designed to protect attendances at lower-league football matches. The rule remains in force this weekend, even though the majority of EFL and non-league fixtures took place on Boxing Day.
Fans in the UK can follow live audio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live. For those in Ireland, the game is also absent from live TV schedules, with Premier Sports opting to broadcast Liverpool's match against Wolverhampton Wanderers instead.
How to Watch Arsenal vs Brighton Internationally
Supporters outside the UK and Ireland have several options to catch the action. In the United States, coverage will be provided by NBC Sports, with a live stream available on Peacock. Australian fans can tune in via Stan Sport, while viewers in Canada can watch through Fubo Sports. SuperSport holds the broadcast rights across Africa.
Highlights of the match will be available from 5.15pm on Saturday via the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel. BBC One's Match of the Day will also feature extended highlights, beginning at 10.25pm.
Team News and Injury Updates
Both managers are dealing with significant squad absences ahead of the clash. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirmed a season-ending ACL injury for striker Stefanos Tzimas. Defender Adam Webster is also unavailable, while midfielder Carlos Baleba is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Solly March remains sidelined but is targeting a return in January. There is more positive news regarding midfielder Mats Wieffer, with Hurzeler stating his availability will be assessed day-by-day but the situation looks "quite positive".
For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will be without five players: Max Dowman, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, and Ben White. There is also a major doubt over forward Gabriel Martinelli, who picked up a knock in the Carabao Cup. Arteta revealed the Brazilian "wasn't comfortable to carry on" after half-time in that match.
This fixture arrives with the Gunners holding a two-point lead over Manchester City at the summit, with Aston Villa a further point back in third. A victory is essential for Arsenal to maintain their position at the top during a fiercely competitive festive period.
