2021-22 Premier League: Week 26 – Arsenal vs Brentford

Arsenal welcome Brentford to the Emirates Stadium in a cross-London derby clash in the Premier League.

If West Ham lose at lunchtime, victory would see Arsenal climb to fifth in the table.

Brentford can climb to 13th with a win if Crystal Palace lose elsewhere.

 

Team News

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Gabriel Martinelli is suspended for Arsenal after he was sent off in their last league match at Wolves.

Bernd Leno (illness) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf) could also feature if declared match fit by club doctors.

Brentford could welcome Ivan Toney back into contention after he missed their last two matches with a calf injury.

Julien Jeanvier (knee), Christian Eriksen (fitness), Mathias Jorgensen and Tarique Fosu (both hamstring) remain absent.

 

Stat Attack

• Arsenal lost their first-ever Premier League meeting against Brentford 2-0 on the opening weekend of this season.
• Brentford lost their only previous visit to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium – losing 3-1 in 2018-19 League Cup, but are unbeaten in four of five away league games against Arsenal (W1, D3, L1).
• Arsenal have scored at least twice in each of their last three home games against Brentford in all competitions.
• Gabriel has scored two headed league goals for Arsenal this season.
• Thomas Frank’s Bees have conceded 28 goals in their last 12 away games in all competitions (W3, D2, L7).

 

Prediction

Having scraped a clinical win at Wolves last time out, Arsenal definitely will be fresh after having nine days off but discipline continues to be their weak spot in 2022, meaning that discipline will have to be key as well as finishing their chances.

Brentford meanwhile will face a stronger Arsenal team than they did on the opening weekend but aren’t in fine form coming into this clash, yet were able to scrap their way to a goalless draw against Crystal Palace last weekend but finishing and defensive discipline is important here.

Now if Thomas Frank’s Bees do bring their best game then this should be a decent clash but Arsenal need a win to keep pace with the top four race, of which I can see them getting if they’re at their best and keep their discipline.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

Result: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford