Arsenal will be looking to make it back-to-back Premier League wins on Saturday when they welcome Brentford to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners ended a five-game winless run across all competitions by beating Wolves 1-0 away last week. This leaves them four points adrift of fourth-place Manchester United, albeit with three games in hand.
Brentford, on the other hand, are in a dismal run of form having lost four of their last five league games.
While they ended their five-game losing streak by holding Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw last weekend, hopes of getting anything from the Arsenal game are pretty slim for Thomas Frank’s side.
Arsenal vs Brentford – Team News
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Takehiro Tomiyasu is available for selection again after recovering from a calf problem. Bernd Leno is free from Covid-19 symptoms and will make the squad.
However, Arsenal will be unable to call upon Gabriel Martinelli following his sending off at Wolves last week.
Aaron Ramsdale is a permanent fixture in goal, with a back four of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Kieran Tierney starting ahead of him. Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are expected to form a double-pivot in the middle of the park, with the duo tasked with controlling the flow of the game.
Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka will provide creativity and energy to the Arsenal attack that should be led by skipper Alexandre Lacazette. In the wake of Gabriel Martinelli’s suspension, Arteta could hand Emile Smith Rowe a start against Thomas Frank’s Bees.
Brentford
As for Brentford, Ivan Toney, who has missed the past two games because of a calf injury, will be assessed. The game will come too early for Christian Eriksen, who signed on a six-month deal until the end of the season on a free transfer from Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Julian Jeanvier (knee) is Brentford’s only long-term absentee.
David Raya has fully recovered from a serious knee injury and has started Brentford’s last three games in all formats. He is in line to make his fourth consecutive start in goal. A fixed back three of Kristoffer Ajer, Pontus Jansson and Ethan Pinnock will look to keep Arsenal’s exciting attackers at bay in north London.
Sergi Canos and Rico Henry will operate as wing-backs, with Mathias Jensen, Vitaly Janelt and Christian Norgaard forming the Bees’ midfield. If Ivan Toney is deemed not fit enough to start, Frank could again go with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa up top.
Arsenal vs Brentford – Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Aaron Ramsdale; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe; Alexandre Lacazette
Brentford Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): David Raya; Kristoffer Ajer, Pontus Jansson, Ethan Pinnock; Sergi Canos, Vitaly Janelt, Christian Norgaard, Mathias Jensen, Rico Henry; Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa
Arsenal vs Brentford – Key Players
Arsenal—Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season. With six goals and four assists in the Premier League, the England international has stepped up his performance levels for Mikel Arteta’s side. As Martinelli is suspended, Saka will have the extra responsibility on his young shoulders to influence Arsenal’s play in the final third and be counted again.
Brentford—Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo has enjoyed a decent debut season in the Premier League with Brentford so far. The Frenchman can do a bit of everything upfront and will look to cause problems. With Toney doubtful to start, he will pose the biggest threat to the hosts.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
