Brentford vs Arsenal preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

Finally, after what has seemed like an eternity, Premier League football is back as Arsenal travel to Brentford Community Stadium to face the newly-promoted Bees on Friday evening.

Mikel Arteta’s side has struggled to get going during the pre-season with wins against Watford and Millwall the only positive results for the Gunners.

Friday night’s clash will be Brentford’s first-ever Premier League match and with a sold-out (as much as it can be) stadium, Thomas Frank’s men will be right up for the fight. With Ivan Toney in attack, Brentford has more than enough to trouble Arsenal as the striker netted 31 times in the Championship last season.

Fresh off a 2-1 win over Spanish side Valencia in their final pre-season fixture, the west London meeting will be the host’s first top-flight clash since 1947 when, of course, they faced Arsenal. Oh, and did anyone mention that it’s Friday the 13th?

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Brentford vs Arsenal Premier League match preview for first round of 2021/22 fixtures at Brentford Community Stadium on Friday

For Arsenal, this presents a tough start to its league campaign. A win is a must as the Gunners will then face Chelsea and Manchester City in one of the least appealing openings of a new campaign imaginable.

Finishing eighth last season and with no European football this term, Arsenal needs to get it right with absolutely no excuses available to Arteta.

Having relied heavily on Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka to drive them forward, much of the same will be needed on Friday night.

A summer of discontent for Arsenal fans that has seen minimal arrivals and poor results, getting off on the front foot is paramount for the club.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will need to find his shooting boots having not netted at all during pre-season and with Brentford’s swash-buckling style, chances could come his way on Friday night.

Arteta essentially picked his best team in the recent defeat with Spurs and many would expect the same side to start against Brentford.

The back four is fairly set with Gabriel out injured, and in midfield there could be a Premier League debut for Albert Sambi Lokonga alongside Granit Xhaka. Emile Smith Rowe, inheriting the No.10 shirt, will get his first taste of the season donning the legendary number.

In attack, although it might be too much to ask, Bukayo Saka could be handed a start to give Arsenal an attacking edge while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to lead the line. In truth, who gives a d*mn who plays so long as we win, right?

How to Watch on TV

When Is Kick Off? Friday 13 August
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Brentford Community Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports (UK) fuboTV (USA)
Referee? Michael Oliver

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