Arsenal have allowed Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City to steal a march on them in the early stages of the campaign and the Gunners need a win over Brighton to get themselves back into the title equation.
However, they are far from guaranteed to have things their own way against the Seagulls, who have exceeded early expectations as they sit three points off the pace, having suffered their only defeat of the season to the table-toppers.
Over 0.5 Brighton goals - 5/6
Arsenal will have their work cut out to get back into Women’s Super League title contention after an indifferent start to the season and there are no guarantees they will have everything their own way at the Emirates on Friday.
The Gunners are the only team to have taken points off leaders Manchester City this season, but they have been unable to build on that 2-2 draw and have yet to taste victory in any of their three home league matches this term, drawing 0-0 with bottom-of-the-table Everton and losing 2-1 to champions Chelsea.
Perhaps of the greatest concern is that they have scored just seven goals in their five matches and they take on a Seagulls team who should provide them with many more problems than they did when they lost 5-0 to the Londoners at Boreham Wood in May.
Brighton have claimed four more points than their hosts, even though they have played one game more, and their only defeat has come at the hands of the league leaders.
Admittedly, their four victories have all come against teams in the bottom half - Everton, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Leicester - but that should provide them with extra motivation to prove themselves against a team who are regarded as one of the WSL’s leading lights.
A victory at the Emirates looks like it could be a big ask, but Dario Vidosic’s side are capable of finding the net.
Nikita Parris to score anytime - 9/2
One player who has made a strong impression after moving to the South Coast is striker Parris, who made the move from Manchester United over the summer.
Parris, who made the most recent of her England appearances two years ago, has proved she can still be a threat at WSL level, having established herself in the Seagulls line-up in the last four games.
The former Manchester City star is plainly enjoying her new surroundings and has netted in three of those matches, including the winner in their 1-0 success over Leicester City last time out.
She scored eight times for United last season and both she and former Chelsea forward Fran Kirby are looking to roll back the years, so don’t be surprised if the 30-year-old continues her rich vein of goalscoring form at generous odds of 11/2.
Poppy Pattinson to be booked - 12/5
For a third bet on this intriguing fixture, it could be worth taking a chance on Brighton wing-back Pattinson picking up another yellow card.
She was sent off in the closing stages of their recent 4-2 home win over Aston Villa after picking up a second booking and she also found her way in the book in the defeat to Manchester City and the recent 1-1 with Manchester United.
Pattinson could have plenty on her hands, particularly if Beth Mead stars on the Arsenal right, and she may be drawn into a foul that sees her receive another caution.
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Arsenal Women - 1/3
Draw - 4/1
Brighton Women - 15/2
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.