Brentford vs Arsenal Preview: In-Form Bees Host League Leaders Arsenal in London Derby

Brentford welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to the G-Tech Stadium on Thursday evening for a 20:00 kick-off. The in-form Bees sit seventh in the table after producing two impressive away victories against Aston Villa and Newcastle, securing back-to-back wins and six points on the bounce.

Arsenal, meanwhile, continued their strong home form with a professional 3-0 win over Sunderland, recording yet another clean sheet their fourth in the last five league games. Mikel Arteta’s squad depth and defensive stability are proving the difference this season, with Viktor Gyökeres helping secure all three points from the bench by scoring a brace.

Keith Andrews’ side have been remarkable this campaign, with Igor Thiago central to their attacking success. The Brentford forward has scored nine goals in his last 10 Premier League home games, netting four braces in that run, and has been crucial in the Bees’ strong home form.

However, in their last home league game, Keith Andrews’ side lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest, ending a seven-game unbeaten run at the G-Tech Stadium. Brentford will be eager to return to winning ways at home and carry momentum from their recent results.

Team news sees Brentford without Kevin Schade through suspension following his red card, while Reiss Nelson is unavailable against his parent club and Josh Dasilva remains sidelined with an injury until late February.

For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka remains unavailable as he continues to manage a hip injury, and Martin Ødegaard’s availability is uncertain. Leandro Trossard, who was forced off late against Sunderland, is also a doubt, while Kai Havertz has reportedly picked up a muscular injury that will rule him out of games against Brentford and Tottenham, though it is not thought to be serious.

History firmly favours the visitors. Arsenal have lost just one of their last 23 Premier League London derbies, while since the start of the 2022-23 season they have lost just one of their 20 away games against fellow London sides. Brentford, by contrast, have struggled in London derbies, winning just one of their last 11 home London derbies in the Premier League.

With Manchester City cutting the Gunners’ lead to three points, this presents another crucial test for Arteta’s side as they look to secure a vital victory. Although Arsenal’s quality makes them favourites, they will need to be at their best to overcome a confident and combative Brentford.