Brentford vs Arsenal Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Brentford vs Arsenal taking place? Brentford vs Arsenal will take place on Friday 13th August, 2021 at 20:00 (UK)
Where is Brentford vs Arsenal taking place? Brentford vs Arsenal will take place at Brentford Community Stadium in Brentford
Where can I get tickets for Brentford vs Arsenal? Ticket information for Brentford vs Arsenal can be found on each club’s official website
What TV channel is Brentford vs Arsenal on in the UK? Brentford vs Arsenal will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Brentford vs Arsenal in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Brentford vs Arsenal live via Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
BRENTFORD
- After several recent seasons of near misses, Brentford have made it up to the top-flight. Thomas Frank managed to motivate his squad to recover from their 2020 play-off final defeat to Fulham and change the style of play slightly to get promoted via the play-offs in 2021.
- That slight tweak in the style of play was to offer a bit more control in possession and territory leading to lower scoring matches last season than in previous years. The signing of Norwegian defender Kristoffer Ajer from Celtic is likely to complement and strengthen that control. As well as that, Frank looks likely to switch to a five-at-the-back system rather than the 4-3-3 that helped get Brentford promoted.
ARSENAL
- This is the first season since Bruce Rioch’s final season in charge in 1995 that Arsenal will not play in European competition this season. Back-to-back eighth placed finishes under Mikel Arteta means there is immediate pressure on the Spaniard in this opening match.
- A clear out and a squad overhaul was expected and planned for this summer but the lack of sales of squad players has prevented Arsenal from bringing in many notable players to improve the personnel. The standout signing of Ben White for £50 million from Brighton is the exception to that.
THE TEAM NEWS
BRENTFORD
PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Raya; Canos, Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock, Henry; Onyeka, Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Toney
UNAVAILABLE: Dasilva (Injured), Jensen (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ARSENAL
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Chambers, White, Mari, Tierney; Lokonga, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Willian; Martinelli
UNAVAILABLE: Aubameyang (Illness), Lacazette (Illness), Partey (Injured), Nketiah (Injured), Gabriel (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Martinelli (Rested), Holding (Fitness)
THE PREDICTION
It would almost be a bit cliche for Arsenal to head into the new season under prepared, lacking tactical identity and several question marks over potential starters as well as uncertainty over incomings for the rest of the window - but here we are. Brentford were defensively strong last season in the Championship conceding fewer than a goal per game but they were the highest scorers despite that improved control. Ivan Toney comes into the season with a lot of expectation following his outstanding campaign last year in which he scored 31 goals in 45 games. The home crowd and energy of a newly promoted side would suggest this will be tough for Arsenal but given the visitors’ lack of coordinated attacking patterns last season, as well as the solidity of Brentford, this one is likely to be low-scoring with under 2.5 goals looking like the way to go for this.
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