Match preview for Brentford vs Arsenal

Mikel Arteta says Armory One should not be distracted from other matters and should be fully focused on winning the Premier League title.

Goes to the Gunners Brentford tomorrow night with a three-point advantage at the top of the tableIf, as expected, nearest challengers Manchester City take on Fulham at the Etihad tonight.

City’s challenge appeared to fall by the wayside when they trailed Liverpool 1-0 in the 84th minute at Anfield on Sunday. But late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland turned the game around and kept Pep Guardiola’s men in the hunt.

“I understand (the frustration of City winning), but these are things we cannot control,” Arteta said before the game at the Gtech Community Stadium. “We have to focus on ourselves, on the present and on what’s coming every three days, and just enjoy it.”

Arsenal follow City this midweek and they play in the Premier League again – at Wolves next Wednesday – before Guardiola’s men return to top-flight action.

That created an opening for Arteta’s side to establish a healthy gap at the summit but the Spaniard refused to get too excited.

“Stay focused, because it’s going to happen between now and the end of the season, like it’s happened in the last six months, so it’s something normal, natural – and I’m looking forward to it,” he added.

Brentford were tipped by many to struggle this season following the departure of head coach Thomas Frank and key players such as Brian Mbuyomo, Yoan Wisa and Christian Norgaard. But they have thrived under Keith Andrews and remain in contention for a European place.

Arteta said: “It’s another tough game. We know (Brentford) at home as well, they’ve had some recent results, the coaching staff are fantastic. So, credit to them, because they’re a top side.”

Arsenal are a formidable attacking force but Andrews insists his squad should not be taken lightly.

He said: “We’re a very good attacking team ourselves. We have a lot of strengths in how we play. There’s no doubt it’s going to be a really, really tough game. They’re the best team in the country. The table doesn’t tend to lie.

“They have a lot of talented guys who are capable of moments. And the same, the way Mikel has set up the team and how they can hurt you at different stages of the game.

“You’ve got to be on top of things to try and cancel out whatever they throw at you every minute of the game, every second of the game. So we’ve got to be at our peak.”

Team news for Brentford vs Arsenal

Brentford forward Kevin Shead is suspended while Reece Nelson will miss the game against his parent club. Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho and Antony Milambo are long-term absentees.

Max Daumann and Mikel Marino remained on the sidelines but Arteta was paying little attention to the availability of Bucayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard.

Victor Gyokares is pushing for a recall to the starting XI after scoring twice off the bench against Sunderland at the weekend.

Predicted line-ups for Brentford vs Arsenal

Brentford: Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Van den Berg, Henry; Henderson, Genelt, Ouattara, Jensen, Lewis-Potter; Thiago

Armory: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; zubimendi, rice; Maduke, Havertz, Martinelli; Gyokere

How to watch Brentford vs Arsenal: TV and online streams

Brentford vs Arsenal kicks off tomorrow at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on TNT Sports and stream through the Discovery+ app.

If you don’t live in the UK, click here hereTo find out which station is showing the game in your region.

Stats for Brentford vs Arsenal

• In UEFA’s top five leagues this season, only Bayern Munich (10) have scored more goals from the counter attack than Brentford (nine).
• Only Aston Villa (none) have scored fewer goals from counter-attacks than Arsenal (one) this season.
• Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League with 17 goals in 25 games