Mikel Arteta remains confident his Arsenal side will adapt to life without injured talisman Bukayo Saka ahead of their New Year's trip to Brentford.
Arsenal make the short trip to the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday, fresh from a narrow 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.
That win came before Liverpool's defeat to West Ham on Sunday, which left Arsenal nine points behind leaders Arne Slot.
Arteta must chase Liverpool in the title race without Saka, who is likely to miss “more than two months due to a hamstring injury”, although he has full confidence in his squad.
“It's always important because even at Bukayo it doesn't mean we're going to score three or four goals every game,” Arteta said of the win without Saka involved.
“So we have to trust the team. That is our greatest strength.
“We never rely on an individual to score 25, 30 goals and we have still managed to be very competitive and we will succeed.”
On to Brentford
Sobha Realty Training Center pic.twitter.com/865BZOSa00
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 30, 2024
Brentford remain winless in their last three league matches after a hard-fought goalless draw against Brighton, with first-choice goalkeeper Mark Flokken limping off in the first half.
Ben Mee also suffered an injury setback in the south coast stalemate, although Brentford manager Thomas Frank hopes to have Flek available at least on Wednesday.
“[Christian] Norgaard is no problem and can play against Arsenal,” Frank said on Monday. “Ben Mee has a slight muscle injury and will be out for a few weeks.
“Mark Fleken is more positive. It is still too early to say that he will play against Arsenal, but hopefully he can be available.
'But I have no doubt about that [Hakon Valdimarsson] will be more than ready for his first Premier League start if required. He did very well against Brighton and I was very pleased with his performance.”
Thomas Frank welcomes two players back to the selection on Wednesday with 'positive' news about another duo
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) December 30, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brentford – Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo has been involved in 14 goals in his last 15 Premier League derby matches in London (12 goals, two assists).
The Brentford striker has failed to find the net in his last two league matches but still has ten goals from eighteen top-flight games this season and will be keen to add to his tally here.
Arsenal David Raya
Arsenal have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last seven away games in the Premier League and recorded nine shutouts in their previous ten matches.
Their defensive problems on the road could leave David Raya exposed – although the former Brentford man's 73.7% save percentage is only lower than Robert Sanchez's 74.36% among all Premier League goalkeepers this season took action five or more times.
MATCH PREDICTION – ARSENAL WIN
Arsenal are the heavy favorites for another London derby win at Gtech given their recent form and head-to-head record.
Brentford remain winless in their last five top-flight games against Arsenal (D1 L4) since starting their first-ever Premier League campaign with a 2-0 home win over Arteta's side in August 2021.
Arsenal have won their last three away games against Brentford in all competitions without conceding a single goal – a record Arteta will hope to continue here.
However, Arsenal have not won four consecutive away games against an opponent while keeping a clean sheet every time since a point between 2003 and 2008 against Sunderland.
Brentford also have a strong record in their first league match of a calendar year, having won each of the last five such matches, so all hope is not lost for Frank's hosts.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Brentford win – 17.1% draw – 20.9% Arsenal win – 62.1%
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