Arsenal will return to the Emirates on Saturday for a London derby against Brentford in the Premier League, looking to avoid a third straight loss in all competitions.
Last time out, Mikel Arteta’s team suffered a 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Everton, while the Bees strolled to a 3-0 victory over Southampton to further their European aspirations.
Arsenal Vs Brentford Match Preview
The conditions were right for an upset, and Arsenal received a humble pie at Goodison Park, a venue that hasn’t been kind to them lately, as a physically superior Everton team handed the Gunners just their second league loss of the year.
Everton put in the kind of effort that greatly delighted the former Burnley manager, Sean Dyche to no end.
They were rewarded on the hour mark when James Tarkowski simply outmuscled Martin Odegaard to head in a corner.
Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City, though, had North London in jubilation. With a game remaining, the Gunners now lead the league by five points with a game in hand, and a win would give them a temporary eight-point advantage.
Arsenal supporters are pleased with the threat of sanctions against Man City following their string of accusations for alleged financial violations, but any potential sanctions, including points deductions, won’t be implemented for some time, so keeping the champions at bay for the time being is of the utmost importance before the two teams face off at the Emirates on Wednesday.
Arsenal welcomes Brentford to the Emirates having won eight and drawn one of their past nine home games in the top tier, albeit while maintaining only two clean sheets in that time. Only Newcastle United can also claim to be unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season.
There was no relief for Southampton at the buzzing Bees’ stadium as they cruised to a 3-0 victory against their South Coast counterparts. The Gtech Community Stadium also hosted a match between a capital side and cellar battlers.
Arsenal welcomes Brentford to the Emirates having won eight and drawn one of their past nine home games in the top tier, albeit while maintaining only two clean sheets in that time. Only Newcastle United can also claim to be unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season.
There was no relief for Southampton at the buzzing Bees’ stadium as they cruised to a 3-0 victory against their South Coast counterparts. The Gtech Community Stadium also hosted a match between a capital side and cellar battlers.
Ben Mee’s courageous header, Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, and Mathias Jensen’s third goal rounded out a fantastic afternoon for Thomas Frank’s team, who are profiting greatly from Chelsea and Liverpool’s woes in order to reclaim their rightful place in the European race.
In fact, Frank’s crop enter the Emirates Stadium in seventh place in the standings, just one point behind Brighton & Hove Albion even though the Seagulls have played fewer games. Tottenham Hotspur are in fifth place with a game remaining.
With their victory over Southampton, Brentford’s Premier League unbeaten streak now stands at an astounding nine games. Frank’s tenacious defense has only allowed one goal in their previous five games in the top level, keeping three consecutive clean sheets.
However, Brentford has only triumphed twice away from home this year—albeit, one of those victories came at Man City—and Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium in September.
That match will be most remembered for the Premier League’s youngest-ever player, 15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who made his debut in that contest.
Team News
In order to speed up his recuperation from a knee injury, Gabriel Jesus has now returned to the London Colney training facility. However, he won’t be ready for a few more weeks, while Mohamed Elneny is predicted to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery.
Reiss Nelson returned to full training before the loss to Everton and should have a good chance of making his comeback here. Emile Smith Rowe, though, has suffered a painful setback with a thigh strain and is also questionable for this match.
Leandro Trossard was once again the brightest spark for Arsenal when he entered the game at Goodison Park, but Arteta should repress the impulse to substitute Gabriel Martinelli since Bukayo Saka’s usefulness alongside Martinelli was negated by Everton’s double-wide formation.
For Brentford, there is hope that Frank Onyeka and Shandon Baptiste will be able to overcome their thigh and groin injuries to play, but Pontus Jansson remains out with a thigh injury of his own.
After beating Southampton, the Bees have no new issues to report, and Frank shouldn’t see a need to change what is working. As a result, Aaron Hickey, an ex-Arsenal target, will once again start on the right side.
Ivan Toney is amassing Premier League bookings and is currently on eight yellow cards. If he receives another caution here, he will be one booking away from a two-game suspension. Josh Dasilva can feel secure going up against his previous team.
Arsenal Vs Brentford Probable Lineup
Arsenal Probable starting lineup:
Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
Brentford Probable starting lineup:
Raya; Hickey, Pinnock, Mee, Henry; Dasilva, Norgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa
Prediction
With Brentford putting together a streak of outstanding defensive performances during their impressive unbeaten run, another tough afternoon may be in store for an Arsenal team that has seemed a little off lately.
The league leaders should have enough left in the tank to edge a tight game and go eight points clear at the top, but Brentford will not make it easy for them. Arteta’s team has turned up the heat in London derbies this season, so a return to home comforts is just what the doctor ordered.
We at Futballnews will go with Arsenal winning the match 1-0 against Brentford: What do you think? Share your prediction with us below:
