Arsenal face a swift turnaround after their demanding clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, as they now prepare for cup action with a visit to Brentford.
While it may appear to be another challenging match on paper for Mikel Arteta’s team, Everton’s recent victory over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium has revealed vulnerabilities in Thomas Frank’s side. Last season, Brentford lost only two home games, so it’s possible they may not be as invulnerable this year. However, Arsenal will need to put in the effort, as the Bees consistently provide a hardworking challenge to their opponents.
Fortunately, Arsenal’s strong start to the new season suggests they are up to the challenge. They currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table without having suffered a defeat. Additionally, they began the new Champions League campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates. The only concern regarding Arteta’s squad selection is the quick turnaround, as this match marks their third fixture in just seven days.
Due to this congested schedule and several injuries, some of Arsenal’s key players must be rested. Gabriel Martinelli missed the North London derby over the weekend due to a hamstring issue, and although he may be fit, it’s unlikely he will be risked. Leandro Trossard was also absent from that match due to muscle tightness in training, making him another unlikely candidate for risk.
Additionally, both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka started the game but had to be substituted due to separate injuries. Arteta even mentioned that Saka might miss their upcoming match against AFC Bournemouth, stating, “He was visibly limping after the match, and we had to take him off the field, which is never a good sign. He hasn’t been able to participate in training.