Although a number of games have been called off this weekend due to policing issues related to the Queen’s funeral, Arsenal are expected to travel to Brentford as per schedule. The Gunners suffered a shocking defeat at the Brentford Community Stadium just over a year ago, but their transformation under Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of plaudits.
Despite losing to Manchester United in their previous Premier League outing, Arsenal are still leading the fray ahead of the reigning champions Manchester City. But it won’t be a stroll in the park for the North London hotshots given the Bees’ emphatic 4-0 win against the Red Devils early into the campaign. They are still unbeaten at home and the Gunners must prepare themselves for another strenuous test on the road.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup To Face Brentford
Defence
Aaron Ramsdale has been a revelation in the Arsenal goal. The Englishman must keep his place between the sticks even though the gaffer preferred Matt Turner in their 2-1 Europa League victory versus FC Zurich.
Arsenal have Takehiro Tomiyasu fit and available for selection. However, Ben White is expected to keep his place after an impressive spell as the right fullback. Loan spells at Saint-Étienne, Nice and Marseille helped William Saliba develop his game to attune to the demands of English football and the Frenchman, therefore, must keep his place in deep defence alongside Gabriel Magalhães. Oleksandr Zinchenko is sidelined with a calf strain and the manager should restore Kieran Tierney down the left.
Midfield
Arteta is likely to play a ‘double pivot’ with Thomas Partey tipped to return to action having recovered from a thigh injury. The Ghanaian must be deployed deep down the midfield along with Granit Xhaka. The pair should marshall the defence as well as make down-the-middle runs to initiate attacking transitions.
Skipper Martin Ødegaard has been a treat for the eyes for his creative spark, vision, composure as well as immense work ethic. He should drive the show from his ‘number 10’ role and switch it down the wide for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. The young duo have been the standout performers with their swift skills and flair from the flanks.
Attack
Arsenal have played a masterstroke by roping in Gabriel Jesus from Man City. The Brazilian has been excellent with his link-up play and poaching attribute, and his presence high up the pitch might cause menace in the Brentford backline.
