Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brentford: Trossard makes first league start

A tough Premier League outing awaits the Gunners on Saturday as they play host to the league’s most in-form side. 

Brentford have accumulated more points than any side in their last six games (14) and they’ll be hoping to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture this weekend. Arsenal, who thrashed the visitors 3-0 last time out, head into this one off the back of just their second league defeat of the season.

Sean Dyche got the better of Mikel Arteta as Everton beat the Premier League leaders 1-0.

While the defeat won’t lead to wholesale changes, Arteta could make a couple of switches to his starting XI for Brentford’s visit.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brentford

Here’s how Arsenal could line up against the Bees on Saturday afternoon.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Arsenal’s number one was helpless to prevent James Tarkowski’s thumping header at Goodison Park. It could be a busy outing for Ramsdale given Brentford’s set-piece proficiency. He must be assertive when claiming the high ball.

Ben White (RB) – It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the right-back. After struggling against Marcus Rashford, White was sloppy in possession last Saturday. Nevertheless, Arteta is expected to stick with the England international over Takehiro Tomiyasu.

William Saliba (CB) – Shoo-in. Saliba will play a key role in tracking Bryan Mbeumo’s runs off Ivan Toney.

Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian’s performing at an incredibly high level right now, and he needs to be at his aggressive best this weekend to ensure Toney doesn’t have his way at the Emirates. It’s a mammoth duel.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Zinchenko lost his rag at the end of last weekend’s defeat as Everton nullified his efficacy in an inverted role. I suspect Mbeumo or Josh Dasilva will combine to prevent the Ukrainian international from dominating Saturday’s bout.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – His rib injury should’ve cleared up by now and I expect him to complete 90 minutes on Saturday after he was withdrawn prematurely last time out.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – It’s been a quiet couple of weeks for Xhaka, and he’s got to start making the most of the dangerous positions he so often finds himself in. The compact Bees will not make life easy for the Swiss midfielder.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Fabio Vieira impressed in the reverse fixture with Odegaard missing out. The skipper’s the creative lifeblood of the Gunners and if he plays well, the entire system functions efficiently.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Rico Henry will be able to match Saka’s athleticism, so the England winger will be hoping to drag Brentford’s left-sided defender out to his flank as much as possible.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Gabriel Jesus is stepping up his recovery, but he isn’t expected to be available until next month. Nketiah’s still got plenty of chances to shine, and it’d be nice to see him among the goals on Saturday following back-to-back goalless outings.

Leandro Trossard (LW) – The only change. Gabriel Martinelli is suffering in Jesus’ absence, and Trossard showed enough at the Etihad to warrant a start.