Arsenal vs Brentford: Premier League Preview

Setting the Scene

Arsenal delivered one of their most memorable European nights in recent memory on Tuesday, brushing aside Real Madrid with an emphatic 3-0 first-leg win in the Champions League quarter-finals. Now, with momentum firmly on their side, Mikel Arteta’s men must quickly refocus on the Premier League, where a top-four finish is nearly secured, but hopes of catching league leaders Liverpool remain slim.

With seven matches left to play, Arsenal sit comfortably in third place, 10 points clear of sixth but still trailing Liverpool by a double-digit margin. While a title push now seems unlikely, maintaining rhythm ahead of the second leg in Madrid remains a priority.

For Brentford, the season has been one of frustration. Despite flashes of quality, they’ve struggled for consistency, particularly at home, and currently sit mid-table in 12th. Their goalless draw with Chelsea last weekend extended a winless run at the Gtech Community Stadium to nine matches, and they’ll be hoping to rediscover their cutting edge away from home.

Head-to-Head

Arsenal boast a dominant recent record over Brentford, unbeaten in their last seven meetings since a 2-0 defeat on the opening day of the 2021/22 season. That includes a 3-1 away win earlier this season on New Year’s Day.

The Gunners have scored at least twice in five of those seven matches, while Brentford have yet to register a win at the Emirates since their return to the top flight.

Key Stats: 

• Arsenal have lost just one of their fifteen home matches in the league this season
• Arsenal have the lowest xGA in the league (1.08), with this figure dropping to 0.91xGA on home turf
• Barring Southampton, no side gives up more xG than Brentford (1.86xGA), with this stat rising to 2.01xGA away from home - the highest in the league
• Thomas Frank has failed to win his last seven touchline meetings against Arsenal (D1, L6), his longest ongoing streak against any side.

Arsenal:
Arteta may opt to rotate after Tuesday’s Champions League exploits.

• Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, both subbed off with minor knocks, are likely to be rested.
• Ethan Nwaneri, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard, and Kieran Tierney are all in contention to start.
• Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined through injury.

Brentford:
Thomas Frank’s side have no new injuries following the Chelsea draw.

• Rico Henry made his return to the bench last time out and may feature.
• Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago, and Fabio Carvalho remain out.
• Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Nunes are nearing full fitness and could be involved.
• Vitaly Janelt may return to the starting XI for added midfield steel.