Arsenal vs Brentford Preview

• Draw or Arsenal win
• Over 2.5 goals

Arsenal were on cloud nine in midweek after a sensational 3-0 dismantling of reigning European champions Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. That result sent shockwaves through Europe, but now Mikel Arteta’s men must refocus as they return to domestic action in a London derby against Brentford. Despite their current unbeaten run across eight competitive matches (W4, D4), the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge appears all but over, with Liverpool holding a commanding lead at the top.

While silverware on the continent now appears to be Arsenal’s best shot at glory this season, maintaining momentum ahead of the return leg in Madrid will be crucial. The Gunners are in strong form in London derbies, having lost just one of their last 15 such league games (W12, D2). That sole defeat came at the Emirates Stadium against West Ham, and it remains Arsenal’s only home league loss this term (W10, D4). That said, there may be some cause for caution, as two of those four home draws came directly after midweek European fixtures.

Brentford, on the other hand, arrive in North London seeking stability after registering just one win in their last five Premier League games (D2, L2). A top-half finish now looks like the height of the Bees’ ambitions for the season. That said, the task at hand is a daunting one – Thomas Frank’s men have lost all four of their league encounters with the current top-three sides this season, and they’ve conceded at least twice in each of those matches.

However, there is one area of improvement that offers Brentford hope: their away form. After failing to record a single away league victory before the turn of the year, Brentford have become one of 2025’s strongest travelling outfits. They’ve picked up five wins from six Premier League away matches this calendar year (L1), including victories at London rivals Crystal Palace and West Ham. That marks a stark contrast from their previous run of seven successive defeats in all-London away league derbies.

Key players to watch

Declan Rice etched his name into Arsenal folklore with two stunning free kicks against Real Madrid in midweek.

The former West Ham midfielder also scored the opener in this fixture last season and will likely play a central role again, both defensively and in transition.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has been consistently involved in attacking play, attempting at least three shots in ten of his last 12 Premier League appearances.

He scored in the reverse fixture earlier this season and will be looking to test Arsenal’s backline once again.

Head-to-head and form notes

• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 15 London derbies in the league, losing only once.
• The Gunners have dropped points in two of their four home league matches immediately following midweek European games this season.
• Brentford have won five of their six Premier League away games in 2025.
• The Bees are without a win in four league meetings with the top three this season.

Tactical overview

Mikel Arteta may consider light rotation given the looming second leg in Madrid, though the depth of his squad means Arsenal can still field a strong XI. Expect them to dominate possession and look to strike from wide areas and set pieces, particularly with Rice and Martin Ødegaard orchestrating play.

Brentford are likely to sit deep and attempt to exploit Arsenal on the counter, relying on Wissa’s pace and Ivan Toney’s link-up play. Set pieces could also be a key source of threat for the visitors, who tend to be dangerous in aerial duels.

Prediction

Even if Arsenal rest a few key players, their strength in depth, form at the Emirates, and recent European high should be enough to see them through. Brentford’s improved away form makes them a potential banana skin, but this feels like a fixture Arsenal will edge.

Predicted score: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

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Arsenal v Brentford, 2024/25 | Premier League