Brentford Set to Battle Arsenal: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Arsenal conclude the current midweek round of Premier League fixtures with a visit to Brentford on Thursday evening.
The North London club appeared set to finish the weekend with a commanding nine-point advantage at the summit, but Manchester City's dramatic comeback at Anfield has reignited the championship battle. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta's squad remains strongly favored to claim the Premier League title for the first time since their unbeaten season of 2003–04.
Importantly, Arsenal bounced back from their 3–2 loss to Manchester United, which risked turning a minor setback into a concerning trend, by decisively defeating Leeds United and Sunderland.
Nevertheless, this encounter presents potential difficulties for the table-toppers, with Brentford significantly surpassing predictions under Thomas Frank's former set-piece specialist, Keith Andrews. The Bees have remained resilient at their home venue, though their latest notable triumph came on the road.
Saturday's 3–2 triumph at Newcastle United keeps Brentford firmly in the hunt for European competition debut next campaign. Prior to Gameweek 26, Andrews's team sat seventh, just four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of what promises to be a challenging encounter for the Gunners in west London.
What Time Does Brentford vs. Arsenal Kick-Off?
What Time Does Brentford vs. Arsenal Kick-Off?
Brentford vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Brentford vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Brentford (WWLLW) | Arsenal (WWWWL) |
|---|---|
Newcastle 2–3 Brentford | Arsenal 3–0 Sunderland |
Aston Villa 0–1 Brentford | Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea |
Brentford 0–2 Nottingham Forest | Leeds 0–4 Arsenal |
Chelsea 2–0 Brentford | Arsenal 3–2 Kairat |
Sheffield Wednesday 0–2 Brentford | Arsenal 2–3 Man Utd |
How to Watch Brentford vs. Arsenal on TV
How to Watch Brentford vs. Arsenal on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App |
United States | Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, Peacock, TeleXitos |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Mexico | Max Mexico |
Brentford Team News
Brentford Team News
The injury-plagued Reiss Nelson cannot feature against his parent club, while Brentford must also cope without the banned Kevin Schade. The German forward received his marching orders during their 1–0 victory at Aston Villa two weeks prior for lashing out at Matty Cash.
Schade completes the second match of his ban on Thursday evening, but Dango Ouattara has risen to the occasion in his place. The ex-Bournemouth winger has found the net in consecutive matches for the Bees and delivered the decisive goal at St. James' Park.
Josh Dasilva, a former Arsenal academy product, remains sidelined through injury, while Fábio Carvalho faces the rest of the season on the sidelines with a serious knee problem.
Brentford Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Brentford Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Brentford predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Van den Berg, Henry; Janelt, Henderson; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter; Thiago.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal will probably be missing Bukayo Saka once more due to the hip problem he picked up before the 4–0 triumph over Leeds United at Elland Road. Noni Madueke has deputized on the right flank since then, and the ex-Chelsea winger should retain his starting berth on Thursday evening.
Martin Ødegaard has been absent from Arsenal's last three matches with a muscular problem, but he appears to have a greater chance of returning for this fixture than Saka. However, the skipper is still doubtful to feature in Arteta's starting eleven.
Leandro Trossard was withdrawn with a possible injury during the weekend clash against Sunderland, making him questionable for Thursday's encounter. Limited details have been revealed about any potential fitness concern, however.
Mikel Merino has had foot surgery, while promising youngster Max Dowman continues his recovery.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Brentford
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Brentford
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Brentford (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Rice, Zubimendi; Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli; Gyökeres.
Brentford vs. Arsenal Score Prediction
Brentford vs. Arsenal Score Prediction
Arsenal cruised to a comfortable win in the earlier meeting at the beginning of December, but Thursday's match is destined to be a scrappy, grinding encounter settled by the smallest of margins.
The pressure level could well hinge on Manchester City's performance at home to Fulham on Wednesday evening, with Arsenal possibly holding only a three-point cushion by kickoff in west London.
Regardless of City's actions, the Gunners are certain to endure a difficult test in this fixture. Brentford possess the ability to turn this match into a physical battle, and the league leaders will need to show great determination to claim a third consecutive league victory.