Finally, the Premier League has returned! With it we have a feast of games to keep our eyes on whilst Arsenal travel the short 5 miles to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford in an away clash that could see us go top of the league!
The Art of Analysis Previews and Predictions is LIVE:
Predicted XI:
These days the best lineup tends to pick itself. However some key changes given the opposition must be noted for. With David Raya unable to play against his parent club whilst on loan to Arsenal. Expect Ramsdale to start and with the opposition in front of him combined with the news that Arsenal have accepted the purchase clause of Raya’s loan deal at £27M the young Englishman should be treating this as a form of revenge game.
Now I won’t go into the who is better Raya or Ramsdale debate here, I think statistically Raya is better, but both are prone to some wild errors in their game. Simply put Mikel knows both players trait’s and abilities far better than I do, so I just have to trust his decisions and support the squad.
Now with the news that Raya will be made permanent in the summer, many fans online have said they wouldn’t be surprised to see Ramsdale leave. I for one don’t envisage this being the case, Mikel has been adamant he wants 2 high level keepers and that certainly has not been the case at Arsenal for many many years.
The back line speaks for itself these days the only question is the left back role. Tomi or Zinny. I’ve said it before and I will say it again. If you are against a team who will hold a low block you want zinchenko to open up the play and drift into midfield giving that overload and freedom of movement to both Kai and Declan.
If you face an opposition who will pose a consistent threat you want Tomiyasu whose defensive capabilities are far stronger than Zinchenkos and he has more versatility across the backline without compromising a threat on the overlap with whoever plays LW.
In this instance I feel the need to start Zinchenko.
The midfield trio is starting to take place now with Rice affective in his pivot from 6 to 8. Martin Ødegaard is back to full fitness he looks sharp on the training ground, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him do well again this weekend.
The main man to highlight is Kai Havertz. Arguably one of the most versatile players in the Arsenal squad alongside the likes of Tomiyasu and Ben White. Havertz has been utilised as a false 9, LCM, RCM and now internationally at LB. What this tells me if that all his managers see him as too important to keep out of the starting lineup. Add to this his newfound confidence within himself and in the squad, as well as a goal internationally. It would be foolish not to feature Kai and have him progress further for us.
Historical Stats:
Brentford occupy 11th position in the Premier League table, having displayed a lack of consistency throughout the season. They suffered a disheartening 3-0 loss to Liverpool last week and will need to put in a determined effort to regain their footing in this encounter.
Arsenal, in contrast, currently sit third in the league standings, having demonstrated their mettle this season. They secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Burnley in their previous outing and will be aiming to replicate that success this weekend.
Despite their initial 2-0 victory over Arsenal in their first Premier League meeting in 2021, Brentford has failed to secure a win against the Gunners in their subsequent three Premier League clashes.
Arsenal has maintained a winning streak in their last two away matches against Brentford across all competitions, including a convincing 3-0 victory in this exact fixture last season.
Arsenal has already tasted success in an away match against Brentford this season in a League Cup encounter, raising the possibility of achieving such a feat twice against a fellow London club for the first time since the 1992-93 campaign.
Brentford boasts an impressive unbeaten record in their last 14 London derby matches in the Premier League. Their last such defeat came at the hands of Arsenal last season, with a scoreline of 3-0.
Keys to winning:
One again Arsenal will be expected to perform here. The stats say it is an away fixture that we dominante. However recent fate has not been so kind. But with the international break allowing a refresh of sorts for both players and manager Arsenal must look to secure a decisive away win that can potentially take them to the top of the prem.
Saka and Martinelli are crucial to our victory in this match. Alongside Ødegaard, who must truly elevate his role as the midfield maestro to a new level, they will provide our wingers with ample opportunities to showcase their agility, ball control, and ability to penetrate the box.
England international Bukayo Saka has made a stellar start to the 2023-24 season, netting five goals in 12 starts across all competitions. Saka could have a field day and is heavily favored to score. I anticipate Saka (if not double-marked) to utilize his quick feet and potentially earn a penalty in the process. While Arsenal has rotated their penalty takers this season, Saka remains one of their most reliable options from the spot, having converted two penalties so far.
Similarly, Martinelli mirrors these motions on the left flank. He has the most penalty box entries from one-on-one situations among all Premier League players. His goal at Brighton resulted from cutting inside to connect with Odegaard’s remarkable pass. A feat that I can only imagine will be replicated here once again.
Conclusion:
This is a fixture Arsenal must once again come out strong and fast in order to succeed. Early decisive goals will only enable for a more open style of play against an opposition in Brentford who will have to just go for it in the 2nd half. Thus giving Arsenal more room to exploit. Therefore I can see the wingers utilising their pace and one on one aggrevise play early to get a goal and hopefully two. In order to have a safer cushion to control the play and possession in the 2nd half.
Predictions:
Scoreline – Brentford 1 Arsenal 3
POTM: Martinelli
Suggested Bet: Both Teams To Be Carded: YES & Martinelli anytime goal scorer
Written by Reekesh Somaroo