Arsenal will take on Brentford in a Premier League fixture on New Year’s Day.
Arsenal will be keen to make a bright start to 2025, particularly after Liverpool were able to record an emphatic 5-0 win of their own over West Ham United at the weekend, maintaining their pace at the top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta’s side need to put together a winning run of their own if they are to stand any chance of reeling the Reds in.
However, the Spanish coach will be aware that a stern test awaits his players at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford are a powerful, physical side, with plenty of technical quality and players with the capacity to hurt the North London outfit.
Arsenal team and injury news
The loss of Bukayo Saka to injury is a huge blow for Arsenal, as it looks like the England international winger is set for a significant spell on the sidelines.
Saka recently underwent surgery, and there is now a huge onus on the other attackers in Arteta’s squad to step up in the talismanic forward’s absence. Gabriel Martinelli has been used to deputise for Saka on the right flank recently, but the likes of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Ethan Nwaneri can also feature in that part of the pitch.
Raheem Sterling would have been another option for Arteta to call upon to replace Saka, but the Chelsea loanee will almost certainly not be in contention to feature against Brentford, though.
Arteta recently confirmed that Sterling’s injury is less serious than initially feared, and it will be hoped that after this boost the winger will be able to make more of an impact upon his return than he has managed so far this season.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain out with injury.
Myles Lewis-Skelly deserves start
Myles Lewis-Skelly is enjoying a breakthrough campaign at Arsenal, and whilst Riccardo Calafiori ought to be fit enough to start against the Bees, the 18-year-old left-back deserves to keep his place in the starting XI.
The Hale End academy gem has impressed in recent weeks, proving that he is ready to shine on the biggest stage. Arteta now needs to send a clear message that such progress will be rewarded with further opportunities, no matter a player’s age.
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Brentford
Whilst there are question marks over Martinelli, he should keep his place on the right flank.
Meanwhile, as the Gunners need to show that they can be ruthless in front of goal, there ought to be room for both Jesus and Kai Havertz in the starting XI tomorrow, with the former leading the line and the latter forming part of the midfield trio.
David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz; Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus.
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