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The Gunners, who cannot afford another slip-up, will make the trip across London to take on the Bees in the first Premier League clash of the new year. Here are predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups for the game.
Arsenal still harbour hopes of catching Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, but after the Reds dominant victory over West Ham, the Gunners now find themselves nine points adrift and facing a must-win situation against Brentford.
While Arsenal narrowly defeated Ipswich Town 1-0 in their last outing, they struggled to convert their dominance into a more convincing victory, and things have become a little more interesting after Mikel Arteta’s side dropped to third place following Nottingham Forest's win over Everton.
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Brentford, who are winless in their last four matches across all competitions, may present an opportunity for Arsenal to regain momentum.
However, Thomas Frank's side, despite their recent struggles, have proven to be a tough nut to crack at home, with only Nottingham Forest managing to secure a victory there this season.
A key factor for Brentford could be their growing injury list, particularly in defence, which could significantly impact their ability to withstand Arsenal's attacking pressure.
Brentford vs. Arsenal Head to Head
Arsenal boast a favourable historical record against Brentford, having won nine out of the 20 matches played between the two sides. Brentford, on the other hand, have secured six victories.
Since their initial Premier League triumph over Arsenal in 2021, Brentford have failed to win in their last five encounters against the Gunners in the competition.
Arsenal have maintained a perfect away record against Brentford in recent times, winning each of their last three matches and keeping a clean sheet in all three.
This upcoming match will mark Arsenal's ninth consecutive Premier League game played in London, an unprecedented feat in the competition's history.
Furthermore, Arsenal have a strong track record in the opening Premier League match of the new year, suffering defeat only once in the last nine years.
Brentford vs. Arsenal Team News and Possible Lineups
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Brentford will be without defender Ben Mee due to a minor muscle injury sustained in their recent draw against Brighton. The fitness of goalkeeper Mark Flekken remains uncertain and will be assessed closer to game time.
Sepp van den Berg and Mathias Jensen are potential returnees, but a number of key players, including Joshua Dasilva, Rico Henry, Igor Thiago, Ethan Pinnock, and Kristoffer Ajer, are expected to miss out due to injury. Christian Norgaard is fit to start.
For Arsenal, this match will be their second without the influential Bukayo Saka. Raheem Sterling, a potential replacement, is unlikely to feature despite a positive injury update.
Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, and Riccardo Calafiori will be vying for starting spots, while Mikel Arteta may continue to rely on Gabriel Jesus and youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly in the absence of Saka.
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Brentford Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Valdimarsson (GK); Roerslev, Collins, Kim, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Norgaard; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa
Arsenal Predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli
Brentford vs. Arsenal Predictions & Betting Tips
Games between these teams have always been close, and we expect this one to follow the same trend, especially due to the injuries suffered by both teams.
However, we expect the Gunners to still edge this one, as it is a must-win fixture.
Arsenal to win
Under 3.5
Over 9.5 corners
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