On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Arsenal Football Club faces Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club in a high-stakes Carabao Cup Round of 16Emirates Stadium at 7:45 p.m. GMT, with the entire English football world watching. Arsenal, unbeaten in 10 matches and on a seven-game clean sheet streak, enters as heavy favorites — but injury chaos threatens to derail their momentum. The match, officiated by Samuel Barrott with no VAR, carries more weight than a typical cup tie: it’s Arsenal’s best shot at their first trophy since 1993, and Brighton’s chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2021.
Defensive Fortress, But the Backline is Fractured
Arsenal’s defense has been the backbone of their season. Seven straight games without conceding? That’s the kind of run that wins titles. But behind the stats, cracks are forming. Declan Rice, the engine of the midfield, is DOUBTFUL with a leg issue. So are Riccardo Calafiori and William Saliba, both nursing knocks that could leave gaps in the back four. Even Bukayo Saka, their most dangerous attacker, is questionable with illness. That’s four key players potentially missing — and it’s not even the worst of it.
Out for the season are Kai Havertz (knee), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), and Noni Madueke (knee). That’s three front-line options gone. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s head coach since December 2019, will have to rely on youth — maybe even academy players — to fill the void. It’s a gamble. But in cup football, you take risks. The twist? Brighton might be even more desperate.
Brighton’s Cup Magic vs. Defensive Fragility
Brighton, nicknamed ‘The Seagulls,’ has a reputation for punching above their weight in cup competitions. They’ve knocked out bigger clubs before. But their league form tells a different story: shaky at the back, inconsistent in transitions. Their advantage? A day’s extra rest compared to Arsenal. But in a match where fitness could be the difference-maker, that’s not enough. Their attack — led by players like Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson — thrives on space. And Arsenal, even with injuries, still controls possession better than 90% of teams in the Premier League.
What Brighton needs is a miracle. A goal early. A red card. A moment of brilliance. Because if Arsenal settle into their rhythm, Brighton’s defense — which has conceded 12 goals in their last five league games — won’t survive 90 minutes. The Seagulls know this. Their manager, Fabian Hurzeler, has called it “a chance to rewrite history.” But history doesn’t favor them. Not here. Not against this Arsenal.
How to Watch: Global Broadcast Details
For fans in the UK, Sky Sports+ holds exclusive rights, with matches also available via NOW TV for non-subscribers. In the U.S., Paramount+ is the only legal stream. Indian viewers can catch the match on FanCode, while Australians turn to beIN Sports. FourFourTwo’s guide notes that international fans traveling abroad may need a VPN like NordVPN to access their home broadcaster’s feed — a reminder of how fragmented global football viewing has become.
The English Football League, headquartered in London’s Petty France, runs the competition — but the real power behind it? Carabao Group Public Company Limited, the Thai energy drink brand that’s poured over £100 million into the tournament since 2017. Without their sponsorship, the cup might have faded into obscurity. Instead, it’s become a lifeline for smaller clubs — and a testing ground for stars.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Trophy
This isn’t just about silverware. For Arsenal, it’s about proving they can win when it matters. Since 1993, they’ve lost in finals, collapsed in semis, and been knocked out by lower-league sides. This is their cleanest shot in a decade. For Brighton, it’s about credibility. They’ve spent years trying to shake off the ‘mid-table’ label. A quarterfinal run would signal they’re ready to compete with the elite.
And then there’s the bigger picture: the Carabao Cup final will be played at Wembley Stadium — but the date remains unconfirmed. That uncertainty hangs over both teams. Who will they face next? Newcastle United, the reigning champions? Or Liverpool, who’ve just come off a Champions League win? The path is wide open — if you survive Wednesday.
Why This Match Matters More Than You Think
Look beyond the headlines. This game is a microcosm of modern English football: star players sidelined by load management, clubs betting on youth, broadcasters carving up global rights like a pie. It’s also about legacy. Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a Premier League force. But without a trophy, he’s still seen as a builder — not a winner. Brighton’s fans? They’ve waited 25 years for a major trophy. This match could be their best shot.
And for fans watching from home? It’s a reminder that football doesn’t always need the biggest names to be electric. Sometimes, it’s the underdogs, the injured stars, the 19-year-old on the bench — that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Arsenal’s injuries affect their chances against Brighton?
Arsenal’s injury list — including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba all listed as DOUBTFUL — significantly weakens their midfield and defensive stability. With Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Noni Madueke out for the season, Arteta may have to start academy players like Ethan Nwaneri or Jarrad Branthwaite. While Arsenal’s form is strong, missing key rotation options could leave them vulnerable to Brighton’s counterattacks, especially if the match goes into extra time.
Why is there no VAR in this Carabao Cup match?
The English Football League has opted to exclude VAR from all Round of 16 and earlier matches in the 2025/26 Carabao Cup to reduce costs and maintain consistency with lower-league standards. VAR is only used from the quarterfinals onward. This decision, while controversial, aims to preserve the cup’s identity as a competition where smaller clubs can compete on equal footing — even if it means more referee errors.
What’s the historical significance of this match for Brighton?
Brighton hasn’t reached the Carabao Cup quarterfinals since 2020-21, when they lost to Aston Villa. Before that, their last run to the semis was in 1983. For a club that’s never won a major trophy, this is their best opportunity in decades. A win over Arsenal would be their biggest result since beating Manchester United 2-1 in 2022 — and could trigger a surge in ticket sales and sponsorship interest.
Could this be Mikel Arteta’s first major trophy with Arsenal?
Yes — and it’s long overdue. Arteta has led Arsenal to two FA Cup finals (2020, 2022) and a Champions League campaign, but hasn’t lifted a trophy since taking over in 2019. Winning the Carabao Cup would validate his rebuild and silence critics who argue he’s great at development but not at winning. With the Premier League title out of reach this season, this cup is his best shot at silverware.
Who are the favorites to win the 2025/26 Carabao Cup?
Newcastle United, the defending champions, remain top favorites, alongside Liverpool and Manchester City. But with heavy rotation in this round, teams like Arsenal, Brighton, and even Wrexham — the American-owned lower-league club still in the competition — could surprise. The draw favors mid-table Premier League sides with strong cup pedigrees. Expect a final between two teams that didn’t start as favorites.
How does the Carabao Cup impact smaller clubs in England?
The Carabao Cup gives clubs from League One and League Two a realistic shot at facing Premier League giants — and earning millions in prize money and TV revenue. Last season, Grimsby Town earned £1.2 million just for reaching the second round. That’s more than their entire annual budget. For clubs like Grimsby or Mansfield, this cup isn’t just a competition — it’s financial survival.