Brentford-Arsenal is a match for the eighth day of the Premier League and is played on Sunday at 1pm
BRENTFORD – ARSENAL
Not only does it occupy an excellent ninth place in the table after six games – not bad at all for a team aiming for safety – keeping it well clear of the relegation zone. But they also boast one of the most prolific attacks in the Premier League: the little Brentford side have already scored 15 goals, three fewer than the unreachable powerhouse Manchester City, the same number as Liverpool. In the London suburb, in short, they continue to live an endless dream, which began in the spring of 2021 with the historic promotion to the top flight after 74 years of waiting.
The Bees are continuing in the same vein as last season, when thanks to a good start they were able to basically live off the back of the pack in the second half of the season, conquering the goal of staying in the Premier League well in advance. This year they have lost only one game, drawing three and winning two. After two draws in a row against Brentford and Crystal Palace, a fortnight ago they swept aside Leeds 5-2 with a hat-trick from striker Ivan Toney, who was called up by England coach Southgate for the Three Lions’ national team’s upcoming commitments. Thomas Frank’s men now dream of tripping Arsenal again, as they did on 13 August 2021 on the day that marked their return to the Premier League. The current leaders, in short, do not have good memories in these parts, although this time they started with a completely different attitude.
Only victories so far for the Gunners, with the exception of the last match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, in which Mikel Arteta’s team lost their unbeaten streak by falling 3-1 against the Red Devils. To regain the top spot – yesterday Tottenham and Manchester City overtook them – Arsenal need to get full marks in this derby.
The Prediction
Brentford is a tough pitch – the Bees have yet to lose in front of their home crowd – and Arsenal know this well, mindful of last year. So far the Gunners have not missed a beat against the smaller teams, but at the Community Stadium victory is by no means a foregone conclusion. Better to bet on goals in this challenge between two teams who have easily swollen the opponent’s net in these six days of the championship.
Brentford-Arsenal line-ups
- BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Raya; Hickey, Jansson, Mee, Henry; Jensen, Janelt, Dasilva; Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa.
- ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gabriel Jesus.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
