As the brand new yr dawns, London rivals Brentford and Arsenal will kick off 2025 with a high-stakes Premier League conflict on the Gtech Group Stadium on January 1.
The Gunners head into the encounter using a three-game successful streak and an 11-match unbeaten run throughout all competitions.
Nevertheless, they are going to be with out the companies of injured star Bukayo Saka, who underwent surgical procedure for a critical hamstring problem.
Supervisor Mikel Arteta could decide to deploy Gabriel Martinelli in Saka’s place, whereas additionally accommodating the in-form Gabriel Jesus upfront.
In distinction, Brentford are coping with an harm disaster of their very own, having misplaced goalkeeper Mark Flekken and defender Ben Mee to health considerations of their earlier outing.
Head coach Thomas Frank stays hopeful the problems should not main, however the Bees may very well be with no host of key gamers, together with Sepp van den Berg, Mathias Jensen and various long-term absentees.
Regardless of their house prowess – boasting the joint-best file within the division – Brentford have struggled on the highway this season and have misplaced every of their final three league conferences with Arsenal on the Gtech.
Arteta’s males, who’re adept at navigating London derbies, will probably be aiming to kick off the brand new yr in type with one other three factors.
Attainable Brentford beginning XI: (4-2-3-1)
Valdimarsson;
Roerslev, Collins, Kim, Lewis-Potter;
Janelt, Norgaard;
Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade;
Wissa
Attainable Arsenal beginning XI:(4-3-3)
Raya;
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly;
Odegaard, Partey, Rice;
Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
