Arsenal Face Brentford Showdown: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium for their opening midweek Premier League match of the campaign, hosting Brentford.

The Gunners maintained their six-point cushion over Chelsea at the league summit on Sunday, though Manchester City's 3–2 victory against Leeds United the previous day reduced their lead to five points.

Despite being content with a draw at Stamford Bridge beforehand, Moisés Caicedo's first-half dismissal gave the away side a prime chance to secure all three points. However, Mikel Arteta's squad looked sluggish and failed to build any rhythm even after Mikel Merino leveled the score just before the 60th minute.

Nevertheless, it proved to be a positive week for Arsenal, who will look to continue their undefeated streak through the holiday period. The Bees await the Gunners next.

Thomas Frank's Brentford have historically given Arsenal difficulties, and Keith Andrews' version appears ready to cause problems on Wednesday. They'll depend on dead-ball situations and counter-attacking prowess, though the away team has found life difficult on the road this campaign. Indeed, they've suffered defeat in five of their six Premier League matches away from home.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the match.

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Arsenal Team News

Arteta had numerous fitness updates to discuss during his media briefing. He didn't confirm whether any of Arsenal's currently sidelined players will return for Wednesday's encounter.

He characterized William Saliba's injury as "unusual" and suggested he might feature this week. Leandro Trossard should also return soon, having picked up a knock in the 3–1 victory over Bayern Munich that ruled him out of Sunday's stalemate.

Martin Ødegaard came back from his extended absence at the weekend but couldn't influence proceedings from the substitutes' bench. Viktor Gyökeres was also available again and is expected to regain his place in Arteta's starting eleven against the Bees.

Gabriel and Kai Havertz are still "weeks" away from their respective returns.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Brentford

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Brentford (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Nørgaard, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Madueke; Gyökeres

Brentford Team News

Reiss Nelson has featured intermittently for Andrews' team this season and cannot play against his parent club on Wednesday. The winger moved to Brentford on loan from Arsenal during the summer window.

The visitors appear to have emerged from their 3–1 triumph over Burnley on Saturday without any new injury concerns. Fabio Carvalho, Joshua Dasilva and Antoni Milambo remain unavailable until 2026 due to knee problems.

Igor Thiago's impressive campaign continued with a double against the Clarets. The Brazilian striker now sits just three goals behind Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot standings. He'll partner Dango Ouattara in attack for Brentford at the Emirates.

Brentford Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Brentford predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (3-4-1-2): Kelleher; Collins, Van den Berg, Ajer; Kayode, Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Henry; Damsgaard; Ouattara, Thiago

Arsenal vs. Brentford Score Prediction

It appeared that a challenging week finally took its toll on Arsenal on Sunday, as they labored against ten-man Chelsea with minimal success following Merino's leveler.

The short recovery period provides little opportunity for regrouping, so Arteta would be sensible to rotate his squad to inject some energy for Brentford's arrival.

Although the Bees remain stubborn adversaries despite their summer overhaul, this should be a fixture where Arsenal dictate terms early and gradually break down their visitors. Consistent pressure will prove crucial, with the home side easing to victory.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Brentford