Brentford vs Arsenal: EPL review and lineups

Arsenal has extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games after beating Ipswich Town 1-0 in north London.

However, they may not play spectacularly as Bukayo Saka is recovering from hamstring surgery. They will need to be efficient to keep up with league leaders Liverpool, who have increased their lead over Arsenal to nine points after a 5-0 victory against West Ham.

Arsenal is now heading to face Brentford at Gtech Common Stadium, England on New Year day. The kick time is 17:30 GMT and the referee in charge will be Peter Bankes. They have not won in four games and recently lost at home for the first time this season against Nottingham Forest. Currently, Brentford sits in 12th place in the table and is dealing with several injuries.

Despite having Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa available for the match, Brentford is particularly weak in defense. Mark Flekken and Ben Mee are doubtful after sustaining injuries in their recent match against Brighton. Mathias Jensen and Sepp van den Berg might return from their knocks, but their participation is unsure.

Additionally, Ethan Pinnock could miss most of January due to a hamstring injury, and Kristoffer Ajer, Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, and Igor Thiago are also unavailable for the match.

Brentford’s predicted lineup against Arsenal: Valdimarsson; Roerslev, Collins, Kim, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade.

On the other hand, Arsenal has no new injury concerns after their recent win over Ipswich, but there might be some changes in the lineup from Arteta. Riccardo Calafiori, who was an unused substitute last match, is likely to play given his return from a groin injury. However, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s strong performance at left-back may keep him in the lineup.

Mikel Merino might also be included in the squad, with Kai Havertz expected to start at the top. Arsenal will be without key players Saka and loanee Raheem Sterling due to their respective hamstring and knee injuries. Full-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also out.

The predicted lineup for Arsenal against Brentford is: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus.