The top of the Premier League is looking as tight as ever, with three points separating the top five teams. Every single point matters more than ever, and a side like Brentford are perfectly placed to be a serious issue for the Gunners. Find out more about what you can expect to see in Brentford vs Arsenal, with a preview of the Bees’ tactics and our predictions for the Arsenal lineup.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been on somewhat wobbly form as of late, losing consecutive matches against West Ham and Newcastle United. They’ve since turned it around with victories against Sevilla (without conceding any real chances) and Burnley, with solid performances all around. Having hammered sides like Sheffield United and Bournemouth already this season, they’ll hope to convert chances into goals at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford, on the other hand, are having a lot more trouble in the league this season. Despite an incredibly poor start to the season (including a 1-0 loss to Arsenal), Thomas Frank’s side have won three of their last four, losing only to Liverpool in a hard-fought contest. This isn’t the same Brentford side that the Gunners faced previously, meaning Arteta’s side will have to work hard to win this match.
Thomas Frank’s Brentford are never the easiest side to perform against, with the self-titled “Bus Stop in Hounslow” tending to rely on set pieces more than most. Their focus on set pieces means that they’ll look to win throw-ins, free kicks and corners in dangerous areas, with relatively few open-play opportunities. When they do strike in open play, their focus on transitions makes them incredibly dangerous, with speedy counter-attacks pulling their opposition apart.
The Gunners have a range of injury concerns for the match with Brentford. Fabio Viera will serve a part of his suspension for a red card, with Thomas Partey missing out through a long-term thigh injury. Gabriel Martinelli is also a serious loss from the side, with David Raya certain to miss out due to Brentford being his parent club.
Despite these injuries, there are plenty of positives for Mikel Arteta to focus on with a few players coming back from injury. Gabriel Jesus could return alongside Ben White recovering from a knock against Sevilla. Martin Odegaard is also expected back after a difficult international break alongside Jorginho, who will have recovered from a very minor head injury.
Picking the right side against Brentford will be absolutely essential to getting a result, with defensive solidity and ball retention being fundamental parts of getting a result. Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal due to David Raya being unavailable for selection, with a newly available Ben White playing on the right flank opposite Oleksandr Zinchenko. William Saliba and Gabriel complete the back-line after a strong performance in the match against Burnley.
Holding midfielders are going to be essential in the clash against Brentford, with Declan Rice claiming a spot in the starting lineup on his return from international duty. Jorginho is likely to play alongside him and offer some box-to-box ability, with Kai Havertz functioning as a hybrid between a number eight and a number ten. The front line is sure to provide plenty of threat, with Bukayo Saka starting out on the right and Leandro Trossard’s top-tier playmaking providing support from the left. Eddie Nketiah starts up front offering a significant goal threat.
Looking at this match at face value, it seems like the Gunners should be the runaway winners. They’re far better both defensively and up front, with a tendency to hold possession far more effectively than Thomas Frank’s side. However, there is a serious risk of a single devastating counterattack pulling Arteta’s side apart. Arsenal should stamp their authority on this match, but will need to avoid becoming complacent.
The bookmakers seem to agree, too. Arsenal are comfortable favourites at 17/20 with the bet365 bonus in the UK, with the home side as firm outsiders at 7/2.
