As the brand new 12 months dawns, London rivals Brentford and Arsenal will kick off 2025 with a high-stakes Premier League conflict on the Gtech Neighborhood Stadium on January 1.
The Gunners head into the encounter using a three-game profitable 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 situation.
Supervisor Mikel Arteta might choose to deploy Gabriel Martinelli in Saka’s place, whereas additionally accommodating the in-form Gabriel Jesus upfront.
In distinction, Brentford are coping with an damage 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 could possibly be with out a host of key gamers, together with Sepp van den Berg, Mathias Jensen and a lot of long-term absentees.
Regardless of their dwelling 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, can be aiming to kick off the brand new 12 months in type with one other three factors.
Potential Brentford beginning XI: (4-2-3-1)
Valdimarsson;
Roerslev, Collins, Kim, Lewis-Potter;
Janelt, Norgaard;
Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade;
Wissa
Potential Arsenal beginning XI:(4-3-3)
Raya;
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly;
Odegaard, Partey, Rice;
Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
