Arsenal kick off the Premier League in 2025 with a short trip across London to face Brentford. Currently sitting third in the league, Arsenal are nine points behind leaders Liverpool but could narrow the gap to six with a win.
Their previous match saw Kai Havertz secure a victory over Ipswich at the Emirates, though it was a less-than-convincing performance. The Gunners remain without star winger Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined for several months following hamstring surgery.
Brentford, however, will pose a tough challenge, having lost just once at home this season. Thomas Frank’s side has turned the Gtech Community Stadium into a fortress and will relish this opportunity against their London rivals.
Predicted Line-ups
Brentford
The home side is struggling with injuries, with 11 players either unavailable or doubtful. Hakon Valdimarsson is expected to make his Premier League debut in goal after Mark Flekken was injured against Brighton.
Mads Roerslev will cover at right-back, while Ji-soo Kim could earn his first Premier League start in central defense, partnering Nathan Collins. Keane Lewis-Potter continues to deputize at left-back.
Christian Norgaard will anchor the midfield, likely joined by Yehor Yarmoliuk and Mikkel Damsgaard, the standout performer for Brentford this season. The attacking trio of Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade, and Yoane Wissa is expected to start.
Arsenal
David Raya will return to his old stomping ground, starting in goal for Arsenal. With Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined, Jurrien Timber will fill in at right-back. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remain the first-choice center-back duo. Riccardo Calafiori may replace Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back to give the youngster a rest.
In midfield, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey are likely to feature. Kai Havertz could lead the attack, with Gabriel Jesus on the bench, while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are expected to start on the wings.
Head-to-Head and Stats
Brentford are winless in their last five games against Arsenal (D1 L4) since their 2-0 victory in August 2021.
Arsenal have won their last three away matches against Brentford in all competitions without conceding a goal.
This will be Arsenal’s ninth consecutive league game played in London, the longest such streak in their history.
Arsenal will look to continue their strong away form against Brentford while aiming to maintain pressure in the title race.