Newly promoted Brentford stunned Arsenal in the opening gameweek by clinching a historic 2-0 win in West London. However, the Gunners regrouped themselves under Mikel Arteta as the season progressed and are back again in the ‘top four’ hunt with an array of stellar performances. The Saturday afternoon contest against the Bees would hand them an opportunity to avenge the humiliation of the reverse fixture and climb up the league ladder.
The ten-man Gunners showed grit and determination to defend a narrow 1-0 margin against Wolves at Molineux. They are fighting as a unit to redeem the lost glory but, at the same time, should be more disciplined on the pitch given an array of marching orders received so far this campaign.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup To Face Brentford
Defence
Aaron Ramsdale has been a revelation between the sticks. He has lived up to the hefty price tag and is showing his excellence week in week out under immense pressure.
A recurring calf injury has ruled Takehiro Tomiyasu out for weeks. The Japanese right fullback is back in training but is still involved in individual fitness sessions. Cedric Soares should retain his place down the wide for the time being. Ben White and Gabriel have silenced their critics by forming a resolute central defensive pairing. They must keep their place in the heart of the backline, whereas left-back Kieran Tierney should exhibit his attacking expertise with marauding runs, crosses and cut insides.
Midfield
Arteta prefers a double pivot and is likely to rely on Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka deep down the midfield. The combative pair must showcase their strong tackling traits and physical presence to trouble the visitors in the centre of the pitch.
The creative spark of Martin Ødegaard as ‘number 10’ would make a difference high up the pitch. Bukayo Saka must keep the Brentford defence on its toes with his flashy skills, swift footwork and movements from the right-hand flank. Emile Smith Rowe, the other academy graduate, is expected to operate from the left with Gabriel Martinelli suspended following his Red Card against Wolves.
Attack
Alexandre Lacazette is a shadow of his earlier self but should still spearhead the attack on Saturday afternoon. Arsenal do not have ample attacking options in their ranks and the Frenchman would still offer more maturity and experience than Eddie Nketiah as an outright ‘number 9’. Martinelli could be tried out high up the pitch once he is available from the next gameweek onwards.
