Brentford v Arsenal: English Premier League Match, Stats And Prediction

Brentford Manager, Frank looks likely to retain his three-man defence in the opening game. However, Brentford’s workings in the transfer market allow a bonafide defender instead of playing someone line Christian Norgaard out of position.

Kristoffer Ajer’s arrival to the club will allow Norgaard to play in his preferred midfield role. The manager will have to take a strong call over who Norgaard’s midfield partner would be, as new signing Frank Oneya will be eying a full debut, especially after scoring against Valencia. We reckon Frank will deploy Vitaly Janet in the centre, with Mads Roerslev and Sergi Canos supporting as wing-backs on either side.

In the three-man central defence, Ajer will have Ethan Pinnock and Pontus Jansson on either side of him, with one-time Arsenal target David Raya behind them and between the posts.

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In terms of absentees, former Arsenal prospect Josh Da Silva will be absent through his long-term injury, alongside Mathias Jansen, who has missed all of their pre-season games. After an injury scare, star striker Ivan Toney was also a doubt, but the manager confirmed he would start against the Gunners.

The striker will be partnered with Bryan Mbeumo upfront, while Tariqe Fosu-Henry will occupy the creative role.

Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Raya; Jansson, Ajer, Pinnock; Roerslev, Janelt, Norgaard, Canos; Fosu-Henry; Mbeumo, Toney

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta made some important signings this summer and could potentially start two of those new faces. However, some players also suffered problems late in the pre-season, which will see them miss the opening match. Otherwise, Arsenal come into the game with a decent sized squad.

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Thomas Partey, who looked sharp in pre-season, turned his ankle against Chelsea and will likely miss 3-4 weeks of action. It effectively rules the Ghanaian out of fixtures until the international break. Rob Holding also suffered a knock before the Spurs game and is deemed doubtful alongside striker Eddie Nketiah. Defender Gabriel, who experienced knee problems that saw him pull out of the Olympics is back, but not fit.

New centre-half signing Ben White will play in a back-four alongside Pablo Mari. Arsenal comes into this game with four right-backs, although Arteta will choose between Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers. Still, we reckon it’s the latter who would start ahead of the Spaniard while Kieran Tierney will play left-back.

Replacing Partey is difficult for Arteta, although he should select Mohamed Elneny or new signing Albert Sambi Lokonga in place of the Ghanaian. The Belgian is likely to get the nod to partner up with Granit Xhaka. If Arteta decides on a conservative approach, Elneny will get the green light.

Emile Smith Rowe is a sure starter in attack, although it seems like Arteta might take a late call on his position. Ideally, he’d have played on the left side, but with Bukayo Saka likely to start from the bench, the manager might prefer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the left wing and put Smith Rowe in a no.10 role.

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Pepe will be Arsenal’s main attacker on the right side, with Alexandre Lacazette set to start in the striker role barring late changes.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Chambers, White, Mari, Tierney; Sambi, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith-Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette

Key Stats

Brentford will become the 50th different team to play in the Premier League.
Brentford will taste first-division football after 74 years, having played their last top-flight game in 1947, incidentally against Arsenal.
Arsenal have won their last five games in the Premier League.
Arsenal are also unbeaten in their last seven Premier League away games.
Arsenal have won just one of their six visits to Brentford in all competitions (D1 L4).

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Arsenal

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