Arsenal vs Brentford | Team News and Predicted Lineup for the Gunners

Arsenal registered their first win of the 2022 calendar year as they beat Wolves 1-0 last week, which allow them some breathing space in the top-four race. Next up is Arsenal vs Brentford. The Gunners will look to take revenge for their 1st loss of the season as they host Thomas Frank’s men at the Emirates today.

The season opener didn’t go well for the North London side, as they lost 2-0 against the newly-promoted side. The lineup was different and besides, the team was facing internal issues. All the new signings were yet to come in while the players took time to implement Arteta’s tactics. Now, the situation is different, with the defence more stable and the team interpreting the manager’s tactics better.

Wolves vs Arsenal — Image Obtained via The Sun

The Arsenal vs Brentford match could be a great opportunity for the Gunners to pull ahead in the top-four race. Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Wolves last Sunday puts Arteta’s men 3 points ahead of them. Moreover, a win today will take them to fifth place on the points table, with only a difference of one point and two games in hand.

Meanwhile, the Bees stand 14th in the league. They had a great first month in August, but then the Premier league reality hit them hard, with mixed results over the period. Nevertheless, they have kept faith in themselves and their strategy has enabled them to snatch some important points against some of the big guns.

👀 All eyes on Brentford

📺 Watch the lads in action as they prepare for Saturday's game 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 17, 2022

Although having been kicked out of the EFL and the FA Cup, Arsenal’s current run of form in the Premier League is not too bad, with 3 wins and a draw in the last five games, whereas, the Bees are winless in the last 6 matches. Presently, both the teams just have the league to play in, certainly with different aspirations, but a win is a must.

Predicted Line-Up for Arsenal

Martinelli’s red card and Tomiyasu’s calf injury restrict Arteta to field his strongest team, but the available squad is still capable of sending the Bees home empty-handed. Let us take a look at the predicted lineup for the Arsenal vs Brentford match.

Goalkeeper:

Aaron Ramsdale (GK): Ramsdale is one major factor absent for the season opener. He now has the chance to play against the team that shocked the Gunners with 2 goals. The visitors’ top scorer Ivan Toney could be back from injury, but Ramsdale has proven his keeping capabilities against the finest attackers in the Premier League.

Defence:

Cedric Soares (RB): Tomiyasu, as per reports, has returned to training, but Arteta might not rush him in against Brentford. Moreover, Soares had a pretty decent game against the Wolves and can fancy his chances in the starting lineup again.

Cedric Soares, Arsenal vs Brentford — (Photo by Adam Davy – Pool/Getty Images)

Ben White (CB): Although the English defender played during the 2-0 loss, he couldn’t do much against the newly-promoted side, but he now has the chance to get his revenge. White is well settled in the starting lineup and has developed a good partnership with Gabriel.

Gabriel (CB): Certainly, Gabriel will replace Mari in the lineup from last time against Brentford. This is a huge upgrade for the Gunners defence and will prove important in the forward movements too. His aerial presence will give the Gunners an upper hand in the fixture.

Kieran Tierney (LB): Tierney starting is a no-brainer for any game. He was present during the previous fixture but has a more reliable squad to play with this time.

Midfield:

Granit Xhaka (CM): Xhaka is playing with more purpose now. May be due to Roma’s renewed interest, but his plays are crucial for the Gunners. With Martinelli out from the left wing, it would be interesting to see whether he continues moving to the left side or plays more in a central position.

Thomas Partey (CM): Partey version 2.0 has been very handy for the Gunners. 2022 has been great for him so far and he will play an important role against the Bees.

Bukayo Saka (RM): A fairly quiet game against Wolves last week. But, with Martinelli absent on the left flank, Saka will have to take up the chance-creating responsibilities in the Arsenal vs Brentford game. He needs to be more attacking today.

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal vs Brentford — Image obtained via Eurosport.com

Martin Odegaard (AM): The architect of Arsenal’s offence is a vital piece of the front line. Though he has not scored or assisted in the last few games, his vision, dribbling and ball-playing abilities will be required against the Bees.

Emile Smith Rowe (LM): He will be starting against Brentford in the absence of Martinelli, finally. This is a perfect opportunity for Arsenal’s No. 10, considering the upcoming matches are against teams outside the top-six. The impact made in this match will allow ESR to make a strong claim for starting role in the upcoming games.

Attack:

Alexandre Lacazette (ST): Lacazette just has to score. For a central striker, 3 goals and 4 assists in 17 Premier League matches are too low. Yes, his off the ball runs and link-up plays have proved beneficial for the Gunners, but the fans want to see goals from the French striker.

Predicted Arsenal vs Brentford Score:

Arsenal have certainly enjoyed a longer stay in the top flight than their opponents, but interestingly, have lost 6 out of 14 games against Brentford in all competitions, with just 4 wins. They cannot take the Bees lightly and have to go all-in for the win.

Fairly similar starting lineup to the Wolves games. The hosts have a great chance of winning today’s Arsenal vs Brentford game, given their new and improved lineup and the backing of the home crowd. It would be great if they can win by a big margin, but considering Arteta’s safe approach, 2-0 would be my predicted final score for the match.

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