Arsenal resume their Premier League duties after the international break with a trip to Brentford on Saturday evening.
The Gunners claimed back-to-back triumphs over Sevilla and Burnley prior to the final international break of 2023, overcoming the latter 3-1 courtesy of Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s strikes. They have managed to bounce back from the disappointing Carabao Cup exit to West Ham United and the controversial Premier League loss to Newcastle United.
With 27 points from the opening 12 games, Mikel Arteta’s men sit third in the table heading into the weekend’s fixtures and could potentially rise to the top with a win if Manchester City and Liverpool play out a draw in the early lunchtime kick-off.
Arsenal Team News
Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey are long-term absentees, while a knee problem has sidelined Emile Smith Rowe. But there’s hope that Ben White will return to the pitch after missing the 3-1 win over Burnley. In addition, Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford, with Martin Odegaard spotted in training.
Due to loan stipulations, David Raya can’t play against his parent club at the weekend. Arsenal will also be without Fabio Vieira, who is suspended after his red card against Burnley. Given his offence was deemed serious foul play, the Premier League have confirmed that the Portuguese midfielder will miss three matches in total.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
First-choice goalkeeper David Raya will be forced to sit Saturday’s game out as he is unable to face his parent club, meaning that Aaron Ramsdale can look forward to an increasingly rare Premier League appearance in goal. The Englishman must aim to grab his opportunity with both hands and prove Arteta that he is too good to be a back-up goalkeeper.
Defence
Ben White missed the game against Burnley but is expected to be fit to face Brentford. If deemed fully fit to start, he will take Takehiro Tomiyasu’s spot at right-back in the Arsenal lineup. Oleksandr Zinchenko, meanwhile, should retain his place at left-back.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will take their usual spots in central defence in the Arsenal lineup, hoping to keep Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa quiet on Saturday.
Midfield
Martin Odegaard is set to return to the team after missing the last few games. The creative hub of Arsenal, the Norwegian will be key in unlocking the rigid Brentford defence. He will team up with Jorginho and Declan Rice in the Gunners’ engine room, meaning Kai Havertz is likely to drop out of the Arsenal lineup.
Attack
As for the offensive unit, Leandro Trossard should continue operating as a false 9 in the Arsenal lineup, which will keep Eddie Nketiah and fit-again Gabriel Jesus on the bench. The twinkle-toed Belgian’s link-up play, movement and creativity through the middle make him a perfect fit in Arteta’s system.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will join Trossard in Arsenal’s attack and look to wreak havoc against Brentford from wide areas.