By Karl Matchett
Fortress Gtech
Up till not too long ago, the Bees loved a near-perfect dwelling file on the Gtech Group Stadium. Thomas Frank’s aspect have been poor on the street, with no win all season, however on dwelling soil they’ve been nothing wanting wonderful: seven wins from eight video games up till they misplaced to Nottingham Forest of their most up-to-date match. Given Forest sit second within the desk, above even the Gunners, that’s nothing to be ashamed about they usually’ll have each purpose to hope they will hassle Arsenal too.
The Gunners’ personal current file on the stadium is spectacular although; after being overwhelmed in 2021, with Brentford making their Premier League bow on a Friday evening in entrance of super-noisy dwelling followers and profitable 2-0, Mikel Arteta’s staff have since gained 3-0, 1-0 and 1-0 throughout league and cup within the floor. On the Emirates it has additionally been nearly all Arsenal’s manner, so six in a row unbeaten towards this opposition – and the promise of second place being theirs in the event that they win – means the Gunners have each motivation and purpose for optimism, even when their away kind has wavered this time period. Nonetheless, two wins and two attracts on the street from the final 4 exhibits they’ve steadily improved there too – however eight factors fewer than leaders Liverpool away from house is a giant indicator of the place they’ve fallen quick.
Current kind
A giant win at Crystal Palace and a slim one over Ipswich imply Arsenal have second place in their very own arms, given Man Metropolis’s ongoing decline and Chelsea’s Christmas hangover. A battle with Nottingham Forest was sudden, however consistency and expertise ought to see Arsenal win that battle over the long term, with even a degree sufficient to go second right here.
As for the hosts, Brentford had been on a really first rate run up till mid-December, however Frank’s aspect appeared to have run out of steam a little bit of late. Three straight defeats to Chelsea, Newcastle (League Cup) and Nottingham Forest had been a troublesome run in equity, and a stalemate at Brighton was a present of defensive resolve and a return to taking factors.
Crew information
The Bees’ fantastic winter kind was all of the extra notable due to an ongoing damage disaster, which goalkeeper Mark Flekken appears to be like to have joined. He’s amongst 11 doable absentees: Ethan Pinnock, Kristoffer Ajer and Sepp van den Berg are huge defensive absences, however Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Thiago, Ben Mee and others might all be starters too.
The Gunners stay with out Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka and Ben White however in any other case look sturdy.
Key participant
Martin Ødegaard took 4 photographs and created two probabilities towards Ipswich however hasn’t been as electrical since coming back from damage. His staff want the captain to shine once more, given he ranks among the many high 1% of attacking midfielders in Europe’s high leagues for creativity. He’s overdue a purpose.
Prediction
A loud and pleasing solution to kick-start the league in 2025, with each groups going at one another and the targets flowing freely: 2-2.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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