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

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 31: A fan of Brentford wears a scarf celebrating the teams promotion to the English Premier League during the Pre Season Friendly between Brentford v West Ham United at Brentford Community Stadium on July 31, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 31: A fan of Brentford wears a scarf celebrating the teams promotion to the English Premier League during the Pre Season Friendly between Brentford v West Ham United at Brentford Community Stadium on July 31, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Thomas Partey
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey receives treatment for an injury during the pre-season friendly football match against Chelsea. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Arsenal Team News v Brighton

The Gunners have some injury concerns heading into the opening match of the league campaign.

Both Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes will not feature with the former injuring his ankle during his side’s loss to Chelsea while Gabriel still has a knee complaint that stopped him from competing at the Olympics with Brazil.

Fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli is unlikely to feature from the off after his efforts with the Olympic tea, while Eddie Nketiah is out after injuring his ankle. Joe Willock is not likely to be included in the matchday squad as his Newcastle move draws near.

Ben White is likely to get his first competitive start for the Gunners after his £50m move from Brighton while another summer signing in Albert Lokonga may start in place of Partey. Expect Bukayo Saka to feature at some point after coming on as a late substitute against Tottenham on Sunday.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney did have questions raised of his fitness after missing the 2-1 win over Valencia, however, Bees boss Thomas Frank said post-match that his striker will be ready.

"“Yeah, I’m expecting him soon, I don’t think, almost anything can stop him from playing on Friday night. “I’m sure he will be available and ready to play.”"

There could be competitive debuts for summer signing Kristoffer Ajer, while Ethan Pinnock and Pontus Jansson both fit. Frank Onyeka who netted the winner against Valencia as a substitute in the second half, may also get the nod.

Continued…