Arsenal XI vs Brentford: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League game today

Arsenal XI vs Brentford: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League game today

Mikel Arteta has big decisions to make as Gunners kick off 2025 in west London

Arsenal continue life without Bukayo Saka when they play Brentford on New Year’s Day.

The Gunners managed a 1-0 win over Ipswich in the first game Saka missed after hamstring surgery that could keep him out until March.

Mikel Arteta has big decisions over the make-up of his attack for the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.

Kai Havertz could be moved up front in place of Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian scored five goals in two games against Crystal Palace last month, but he drew a blank at home to Ipswich.

Jesus could play out wide on the right in the absence of Saka, although Gabriel Martinelli started there last time out.

Leandro Trossard set up Arsenal’s only goal in their 1-0 win over Ipswich and he should keep his spot on the left flank.

Raheem Sterling’s knee injury is not as bad as first feared, but he is expected to miss this trip to Brentford.

Myles Lewis-Skelly will hope to keep his place at left-back.

The rest of the defence is settled and should remain the same, with Jurrien Timber cementing his spot as Arsenal’s right-back in the absence of Ben White.

Havertz has started and scored when playing in midfield in each of Arsenal’s last two games, however Arteta may look to change it for this trip to Brentford.

The Bees are a physically imposing side and they also boast an impressive home record, which could lead Arteta to look for more solidity in midfield.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard

Injured: Saka (hamstring), Sterling (knee), Tomiyasu (knee), White (knee)

Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Heaven, Kiwior, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Havertz, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Jesus, Martinelli and Trossard.

Venue: Gtech Community Stadium

Referee: Peter Bankes

Time and date: 5.30pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2024

TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports