Arsenal will visit Brentford with a chance to go top of the table in the Premier League. Before international football took over, Mikel Arteta’s club handily defeated Burnley 3-1. Two weeks prior, the Bees were soundly defeated 3-0 by Liverpool.
Preview (Brentford vs. Arsenal)
In the three games that preceding the Bees’ trip to Liverpool’s Anfield fortress, Brentford’s attacking dominance had defeated Burnley, Chelsea, and West Ham United. The Reds easily defeated the Bees three goals to one thanks to two goals from Mohamed Salah and an incredible strike from Diogo Jota. Although head coach Thomas Frank waved his hand in disapproval when Wataru Endo avoided a red card for tripping Christian Norgaard with his studs, the Dane might not have been too concerned about the final score.
The Bees’ first loss of the month caused them to drop to 11th place in the rankings. They are still mathematically closer to the top four than the relegation zone. Brentford’s mid-table mediocrity is defined by their record of four wins, four draws, and four losses. However, their offensive prowess at the Gtech Community Stadium is unquestionable. They look to score for the 20th consecutive Premier League home game this coming weekend.
In addition, since the beginning of the previous season, just three clubs have defeated the Beest. Among those three was Arsenal, who will attempt to repeat their recent EFL Cup victory. As was the case following the Gunners’ agonizing loss to Newcastle United earlier this month. The decision concerned whether or not Fabio Vieira should have given Burnley’s Josh Brownhill a straight red card. Arsenal ended a two-game home losing streak by making Burnley’s demotion more severe. They are currently in third position in the table, one point below Man City and behind Liverpool on goal differential. If they win at the midday Etihad match, they will take the throne.
Team News
While Josh Dasilva, a former Gunners youth player, is one of the few doubts because of a thigh injury. Brentford talisman Ivan Toney will watch his fans from the sidelines as he continues his lengthy suspension. There are constant rumors of a potential January move to the red part of North London. The Gunners will not be able to use Keane Lewis-Potter (calf) or Mikkel Damsgaard (knee), but they will not be able to use Rico Henry (knee), Aaron Hickey (thigh), or Kevin Schade (adductor).
Frank’s decision to go to a five-man defense did not work out at Anfield, but by going back to a four-man defense here, the way will open for Neil Maupay, the Gooners’ most visible adversary following the 2020 incident with Bernie Leno, to lead the home team’s attack. Speaking of goalkeepers for Arsenal, Arteta will start Aaron Ramsdale in the Premier League for the first time in more than two and a half months this coming Saturday because he is unable to use David Raya as the final line of defense against his parent club.
While Emile Smith Rowe (knee), Julien Timber (knee), and Thomas Partey (thigh) are known absences, Vieira is starting a three-match domestic ban but would not have started anyhow. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus recovered from a hamstring injury earlier than anticipated in time to represent Brazil in World Cup qualifying. While Martin Odegaard (head), Ben White (knock), and Cecil Soares (sickness) would need to be evaluated closer to the game, it would be surprising to see Jesus returned to the Arsenal starting lineup right soon. However, there is still optimism that the former will play in the London derby.
Brentford 1 – 2 Arsenal
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