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

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) – One of the performances that flew under the radar at Molineux was Partey’s, likely because he didn’t have the progressive dominance he usually has, and due to the one or two missed passes always standing out above all else. Selective memories, and all.

From a defensive standpoint, however, he was excellent. He got back to recover in his box and the transitions were managed just as efficiently. A top showing.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – When he got that yellow card in the first half everyone began to panic. But that’s self-manufactured fear, since at no stage in his Arsenal career has Xhaka ever been sent off for two yellow cards. And he’s accrued a very healthy 63 during that time.

Given this is a home tie hopefully he won’t need to drift into the left-back role quite as frequently.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – Speaking in the build-up to the game about what Arsenal are ‘building’, it all feels very captain-y, doesn’t it?

As for matters on the pitch, this will be a key game for Odegaard as he will need to pick holes in what is sure to be a deep and compact low block.

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