Brentford vs Arsenal preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Arsenal’s attention switches to the Carabao Cup in midweek as their campaign begins with a tricky assignment away at Brentford.

While the Gunners made light work of their trip to west London last season, the Bees have proven to be a tough nut for the ‘Big Six’ to crack since they entered the top flight in 2020.

Arsenal haven’t tasted a great deal of success in this competition since its inception, winning it just twice, and they’ve only once reached the final in its last 12 iterations. Last time out, Mikel Arteta’s side were comfortably beaten 3-1 by Brighton in the third-round at the Emirates.

Given the rather sombre mood surrounding the club in the wake of their disappointing derby showing, Wednesday’s bout is a pretty big one in terms of boosting morale once more. Remember, it was just last week when supporters were enjoying an emphatic victory on Arsenal’s return to Champions League action.

It’s a fickle old game, and Arteta could do with a cup triumph at Brentford ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth,

Brentford vs Arsenal preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Here’s our preview of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup third-round tie.

How to watch Brentford vs Arsenal on TV

When is kick-off? Wednesday 27 September

What time is kick-off? 19:45 (BST)

Where is it played? Gtech Community Stadium

TV channel/live stream? N/A (UK) / ESPN+, ESPN App (US) / DAZN (Canada)

Referee? Peter Bankes

Brentford team news

The hosts have been dealt a couple of injury blows over the past couple of weeks with star wing-back Rico Henry set to miss the remainder of the season. Kevin Schade is also poised for a period on the sidelines after picking up a knock ahead of Saturday’s defeat to Everton.

Thomas Frank is still without the suspended Ivan Toney, while Shandon Baptiste, Ben Mee, Mikkel Damsgaard and Josh Dasilva are also unavailable for Wednesday’s game.

Arsenal team news

Declan Rice was added to a fairly extensive injury list at the weekend as back discomfort forced him off at half-time of Sunday’s derby. While Rice isn’t expected to be out for very long, he’ll miss Wednesday’s cup tie.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are hoping to return this weekend, while Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are both out.

Bukayo Saka should earn a rest with Arteta handing chances to several of his fringe players and one or two academy stars.

Brentford vs Arsenal predicted lineups

Brentford: Strakosha; Roerslev, Jorgensen, Ajer, Hickey; Onyeka, Janelt, Ghoddos; Lewis-Potter, Maupay, Wissa.

Arsenal: Ramsdale; Cedric, Walters, Kiwior, Tomiyasu; Jorginho, Vieira, Havertz; Nelson, Jesus, Smith Rowe.

Brentford’s recent form

Brentford 1-3 Everton (23/09) – Premier League

Newcastle 1-0 Brentford (16/09) – Premier League

Brentford 2-2 Bournemouth (02/09) – Premier League

Newport County 1-1 (0-3p) Brentford (29/08) – Carabao Cup

Brentford 1-1 Crystal Palace (26/08) – Premier League

Arsenal’s recent form

Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham (24/09) – Premier League

Arsenal 4-0 PSV (20/09) – Champions League

Everton 0-1 Arsenal (17/09) – Premier League

Arsenal 3-1 Man Utd (03/09) – Premier League

Arsenal 2-2 Fulham (26/08) – Premier League

Prediction

Arsenal’s fringe players have struggled when given the opportunity to shine in recent times, and they’ll be expected to overcome a rigid and well-drilled Brentford side on Wednesday.

This one certainly isn’t going to be a cup classic, with the tie poised to be decided by fine margins. However, given that Brentford will be without a whole host of first-teamers and the visitors will be keen to quickly return to winning ways, I think it’ll be the Gunners who supply the decisive moment in the final third.

Prediction: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal