BETTING GUIDE: Arsenal V s Brentford, match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 6min | Tue. 02.12.25. | 17:26
Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table with a five-point cushion, a margin that could be cut by Manchester City’s midweek involvement, but confidence remains high at the Emirates where they have been nearly flawless this season, winning nine of their ten home matches in all competitions and extending a run of 17 games without defeat in league action
Arsenal return to the Emirates in a fixture that arrives at a delicate point in their season, with the league leaders seeking to maintain control of the title race as they host a Brentford side whose mixed form continues to blur the line between promise and inconsistency.
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The Gunners were left frustrated after their 1-1 draw away at Chelsea, a match in which they played nearly the entire second half with a numerical advantage yet struggled to assert their usual control.
While a point at Stamford Bridge would ordinarily be acceptable, especially against a side fresh from dismantling Barcelona, this result felt like a missed opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s men, whose performance levels dipped after a demanding stretch of fixtures against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and now Chelsea.
Still, Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table with a five-point cushion, a margin that could be cut by Manchester City’s midweek involvement, but confidence remains high at the Emirates where they have been nearly flawless this season, winning nine of their ten home matches in all competitions and extending a run of 17 games without defeat in league action.
The challenge now for Arsenal is revitalising their energy and precision during a gruelling period in which rotation becomes essential.
Their defensive stability at home has been one of the defining characteristics of the campaign, with only two goals conceded at the Emirates in the league - an unmatched record. That platform has allowed them to control games, dictate rhythm and force opponents into prolonged defensive phases.
Their offensive effectiveness, led by Eberechi Eze’s creativity, Viktor Gyökeres’ physical presence and the dynamic wide play of Noni Madueke, continues to make them a threat in open play and at set pieces.
Yet the absence of defensive pillars William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães complicates matters, as their usual centre-back pairing has been central to Arsenal’s structural balance.
Without them, Arteta may rely on a combination of Pierro Hincapié, or Christian Mosquera a duo capable of performing as at the Chelsea game but untested in the defensive partnerships required to maintain the same level of control.
Brentford arrive for this London derby with a mix of optimism and realism.
Their 3-1 victory over Burnley showcased their capacity for late surges, with Igor Thiago once again proving decisive as he reached double digits in Premier League goals faster than any Brentford player in the modern top-flight era.
His form continues to elevate the Bees’ attacking potential, especially when supported by Mikkel Damsgaard’s intelligent movements and Yarmoliuk’s energy between the lines.
However, their struggles on the road remain a pressing concern, as Keith Andrews’ side have lost five of their six away league matches this season.
Their defensive lapses, particularly when pressed aggressively in wide areas, have left them vulnerable, and their inability to keep clean sheets - now five league games without one - poses a significant threat when facing an Arsenal side that thrives at home.
Historically, the Emirates has been a difficult venue for Brentford, whose last away league victory over Arsenal dates back to 1938. Since Arsenal suffered defeat in their first Premier League meeting with the Bees in 2021, Arteta’s side have remained unbeaten in seven straight encounters. Yet Brentford have found ways to trouble the Gunners’ back line in recent meetings, scoring in each of the last three fixtures.
With Thiago in form and Arsenal potentially missing both first-choice centre-backs, the visitors will believe they can pose a real threat in transition, especially if Keith Andrews opts for his familiar five-at-the-back structure used against the division’s heavyweights. This shape provides defensive density and allows Brentford to break quickly through the channels, one area where Arsenal must remain vigilant.
Team news for Arsenal brings both challenges and opportunities. Saliba’s absence due to a training knock, combined with Gabriel’s hamstring concern, means Arteta must improvise defensively.
Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz remain sidelined, removing two creative pieces from Arsenal’s attacking rotation.
In contrast, the return of Madueke, Ødegaard and Gyökeres to full fitness provides a boost, with the latter two likely to start as Arsenal seek sharper attacking execution.
Gabriel Jesus, recently back from an ACL injury, may also play a cameo role, offering Arteta a different profile of movement in the final third. Brentford’s team news is similarly restrictive, with Reiss Nelson ineligible to face his parent club and long-term absentees Fabio Carvalho, Josh Dasilva and Antoni Milambo still out with knee injuries.
Their limited squad depth means Andrews is likely to rely on his core performers, with Thiago and Ouattara expected to spearhead the attack.
Tactically, Arsenal will aim to assert early dominance, controlling central spaces through Rice, Ødegaard and Zubimendi while using their fullbacks to pin Brentford deep.
Their threshold for risk will be tested, especially with a makeshift defence that must manage Brentford’s directness and counter-attacks.
Arsenal’s intention will be to force the game into Brentford’s half, circulate the ball with speed and create numerical overloads in wide zones where Brentford’s wingbacks may be stretched.
Brentford, conversely, will approach the match with patience and compactness, seeking to reduce central gaps and limit Arsenal’s combinations in the half-spaces. Their attacking intentions will revolve around transitions, set pieces and exploiting any defensive uncertainty in Arsenal’s reshuffled back line. With Thiago’s strength and finishing, along with Ouattara’s diagonal runs, Brentford possess the tools to capitalise on rare opportunities.
The Emirates atmosphere, Arsenal’s home momentum and their broader control of league matches make them favourites, but this fixture carries the tactical unpredictability that often accompanies a London derby.
Brentford’s away struggles and defensive fragility place them at a disadvantage, yet their ability to score, even when under pressure, keeps them alive in contests. Arsenal’s push to maintain their lead at the top, combined with their relentless home form, suggests they will dictate large stretches of the match, though lapses at the back or absence of key defenders may give Brentford openings throughout the game.
Key pointers
Arsenal have won five of their six home league games this season.
Brentford have lost five of their six away Premier League fixtures this term.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 17 league and cup matches.
Brentford have failed to win any of their last eight games against Arsenal.
All five of Arsenal's home league wins this season saw them lead at both half and full time.
Given Arsenal’s home strength, Brentford’s away vulnerabilities and the attacking quality available to Arteta despite injuries, the match leans toward an open encounter.
Brentford’s ability to score, paired with Arsenal’s relentless pressure at the Emirates, points toward a game with multiple chances, momentum shifts and tactical adjustments throughout. Arsenal’s determination to protect their position at the top, coupled with Brentford’s inconsistency on the road, makes goals a compelling option.
Prediction; Arsenal Win
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