Gyokeres Back in Action After Stunning Brace as Arsenal Face Brentford—Team News and Starting XI Revealed
After enjoying the advantage of playing after Manchester City in the last two rounds of fixtures, Arsenal will find themselves in a reactive position when they face Brentford on Thursday evening.
The Gunners' commanding nine-point advantage was reduced to six following City's dramatic late comeback at Anfield, and Pep Guardiola's team could close to within one win of the Premier League frontrunners when they welcome Fulham 24 hours prior to Arsenal's brief journey across London.
Mikel Arteta's squad has bounced back from their loss to Manchester United and secured consecutive league victories despite missing two crucial forwards, who are expected to remain unavailable at the Gtech. Their next challengers, Brentford, are unexpected European hopefuls and riding high after their triumph on Tyneside in their last outing.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Bukayo Saka's hip problem is expected to persist when this match arrives, though Arsenal will be optimistic about having the winger back for the north London derby later this month. Martin Ødegaard has also been absent for consecutive matches due to a minor muscular issue and remains questionable.
Leandro Trossard was substituted late during the weekend clash against Sunderland, though minimal details were provided about any possible injury. Therefore, the Belgian could be available to play in west London.
Mikel Merino, who's rehabilitating from foot surgery, and Max Dowman are definitely unavailable, while Viktor Gyökeres is vying for an immediate return to the first eleven.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Brentford (4-2-3-1)
GK: David Raya—Despite a slightly anxious performance at the weekend, Raya secured his 13th Premier League clean sheet of the campaign. He makes his return to his former club on Thursday.
RB: Jurriën Timber—Although Timber faces strong competition from Ben White, Arteta values his steadiness and dependability. He's expected to retain his place in the team for midweek.
CB: William Saliba—The Frenchman's second Premier League strike arrived during his debut appearance against Brentford at the beginning of the 2022–23 campaign. That 3–0 triumph was one of only two shutouts he's achieved in this matchup.
CB: Gabriel—Gabriel and Saliba contained the menace of the powerful Brian Brobbey in their previous match, and now they'll face the division's second-highest goalscorer this season, Igor Thiago.
LB: Piero Hincapié—Riccardo Calafiori's shaky display on Saturday should prompt Arteta to return to Hincapié for what promises to be a close, combative affair.
DM: Martín Zubimendi—The excellent Spaniard has now found the net in consecutive matches, and is developing into an İlkay Gündoğan-style presence in Arsenal's engine room.
DM: Declan Rice—Rice's productivity has diminished in recent appearances, but the Englishman remains in contention for PFA Player of the Year recognition if Arsenal conclude their 22-year championship drought.
RW: Noni Madueke—Saka's anticipated absence means Madueke will earn his fourth straight start on Thursday evening.
AM: Kai Havertz—The German has looked sharp since returning from a lengthy knee problem, and there's no question he'll play a vital part for the Gunners in the final stretch. Havertz's Arsenal journey took off with a decisive late goal at the Gtech two campaigns ago.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Trossard's availability remains uncertain, so we'll probably witness a switch on the left flank. With Eberechi Eze set for a full 90 minutes in the FA Cup at the weekend, Martinelli should receive the opportunity in this encounter.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—The Swede lacks finesse and has found it difficult to win over Arsenal fans since his summer transfer. Nevertheless, Gyökeres is beginning to score more consistently, and Arteta might allow him the opportunity to capitalize on his weekend double.