Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brentford: Tomiyasu & Smith Rowe in?

Arsenal are back on home soil for the first time since drawing a blank against Burnley as they host Brentford in Saturday’s Premier League meeting. Here is the predicted lineup.

Mikel Arteta finds himself a man light. Again.

Red card bingo should be a game available to all match-going supporters so that at least in the case of someone getting themselves sent off – it’s an average of one every 7.6 matches since the manager took over – there is something to win for the fans who have to sit through the agony of more 5-3-1 low blocks.

Gabriel Martinelli joined the ever growing list of players to be sent for an early shower, as he received two quickfire yellow cards in the 1-0 win over Wolves. It will be a while before we see a red card brandished under those unique circumstances again.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brentford: Takehiro Tomiyasu & Emile Smith Rowe to come in for Cedric Soares and Gabriel Martinelli?

What it does mean is that the Brazilian will have to watch on from the stands for the visit of Thomas Frank’s side.

The obvious candidate to replace the 20-year-old is fellow youngster Emile Smith Rowe, although Arteta is known for pulling a trick or two from out of his sleeve and could see this as a chance to incorporate Nicolas Pepe, who would at least inject similar levels of directness that Martinelli brings to the team.

Elsewhere there remain big question marks over Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was still recovering from a calf problem that he aggravated in the 0-0 draw over the Clarets back in January.

While there is no reason to rush him back again off the back of Cedric Soares’ best performance of the season at Molineux, Arteta reassured fans with the news they wanted to hear that he was back and available for selection. He stated that Tomi wasn’t ‘perfect’, though, so it could be that he still won’t risk him just yet.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – It was a January to forget for Ramsdale who appeared to lose his composure in and out of possession during his first blip since joining the club. Fortunately he appeared to find his feet again at Wolves.

Cedric Soares (RB) – There is no reason to rush Tomiyasu back, is there? Unless Tomi is 100% ready then there is no need to force him into the team for a match that Arsenal have enough to win without him.

Benjamin White (CB) – While the team winning the game will be most important, White will surely want to get one over Ivan Toney who gave him a torrid night on his Arsenal debut.

Gabriel (CB) – After another colossal performance in the win over Wolves, Gabriel will need to be equally strong as he defends Brentford’s infamous long throws.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – A hit and miss showing in the midlands saw Tierney endure a difficult first half before improving after the break, with the latter 45 minutes far more preferable on Saturday.

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