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ARSENAL have the chance to go top of the Premier League when they face Brentford in a huge clash at the Emirates THIS evening.
The Gunners made history on Monday evening as they became the first team in England to score FIVE or more away goals in three consecutive games.
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Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Ben White and an own goal from Jayden Bogle saw Mikel Arteta’s men thrash Sheffield United.
And not only have Arsenal now won seven games on the spin, but they have scored a staggering 31 goals in that time.
That is just six less than Manchester United have managed all season under Erik ten Hag.
The goal-greedy outfit has also seen their goal difference increase to plus 45, six more than Liverpool and ten more than Manchester City.
All of this helps Arteta’s side’s title credentials as they look to go one better than last season.
However, Ivan Toney and Co will be out to spoil the party – similar to what happened in the title run-in last season.
In that match Arsenal looked to be set for another important three points after Leandro Trossard‘s second-half strike.
Their celebrations were cut short as Toney headed in an equalise for the Bees just eight minutes later.
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But Arteta’s side have the incentive of moving top of the table should they pick up three points at the Emirates.
Brentford picked up a vital point last time out against Chelsea in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Frank will be keen to see his side grab an even better result to drag themselves away from the relegation zone.
A slump in form over the last seven games has seen the side only collect four points and slide down the table to 15th.
What is their form like?
Arsenal come into the match in flying form as they have recovered from their off spell over Christmas.
They have made it seven wins on the bounce in the Premier League and have only lost twice since the turn of the year.
The defeats came to Liverpool in the FA Cup and Porto in the Champions League.
This run of form have put the Gunners back in the title equation alongside Liverpool and Man City.
Brentford have struggled for consistent results since last November which was when the team last won back-to-back games.
Despite Toney’s return from his ban, results on the whole have not improved as the team has slowly dropped into the relegation dogfight.
What is the team news?
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The one blip on Arsenal’s 6-0 thrashing over Sheffield United is Gabriel Martinelli being forced to hobble off during the match.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that the Brazilian suffered a cut on his foot, but Martinelli will need further tests to see whether he can feature against Brentford.
Bukayo Saka was also withdrawn at half-time before being spotted in the dugout for the second half.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (knock), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and Jurrien Timber (knee) are all expected to remain sidelined.
Elsewhere, Brentford boss Thomas Frank is expected to be without; Kevin Schade (muscle), Ben Mee (ankle), Ethan Pinnock (ankle), Bryan Mbeumo (ankle), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Rico Henry (knee) and Josh Dasilva (knee).
Who will be the star men?
Martin Odegaard will have the important job once again of trying to unlock the opposition’s defence.
The Arsenal star has been in brilliant form of late as he has taken his Premier League tally to six goals and six assists.
The Norwegian is so much more than just a brilliant player but he has proved to be an astute appointment as captain by Arteta.
Odegaard has taken to the role since he was given it in 2022 and could be the first captain to lead the Gunners to a league title since Patrick Vieira.
For Brentford, much of the talk has been about Toney, who has excelled since his return.
The striker has scored four goals in eight games, but against Arsenal another player could take centre stage.
Yoane Wissa starred against Chelsea with his brilliant scissor kick goal.
The forward is the club’s join top scorer this season with six goals along with Neal Maupay.
Two of his goals have come in his last two games and he could make it three in three against Arsenal.
What have the managers said?
Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal’s recruitment last summer has helped the team gain momentum.
He said: “Yes for sure, and obviously picking the right players that could bring something that we didn’t have to the squad.
“They’re certainly doing that and improving every single player, and the mechanisms and culture around the team.
“They are doing that but there’s still the most part of the season ahead and we know that that’s the case.”
Thomas Frank has urged the club’s fans to get behind the team after there were boos from sections of the crowd against Chelsea.
He said: “I’d like to speak to the supporters about the boos, while 1-0 down to Chelsea.
“Is that support? What the f***”.
“They were brilliant when we were 1-1, 2-1.
“We will fight as staff and players but we need them as well.”
SunSport prediction
Arsenal 3 Brentford 1
When is Arsenal vs Brentford?
- Arsenal’s huge London derby match against Brentford will take place TODAY – Saturday, March 9.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm GMT.
- The Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this Premier League fixture and it can host approximately 60,704 fans.
- Kai Havertz’s 89th minute strike saw Arsenal snatch all three points in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
How can I watch Arsenal vs Brentford?
- Arsenal vs Brentford will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
- Coverage is expected to commence from 5pm GMT on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can head to NOW TV to stream the entire action live.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match through our live blog.
What are the odds?
- Arsenal to win 1/5
- Draw 11/2
- Brentford to win 11/1
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication
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