Match Preview: Brentford vs. Arsenal – possible Line-ups, Head-to-Head, Team News, and Injury Updates for the London Derby…

Match Preview: Brentford vs. Arsenal – Potential Line-ups, Head-to-Head, Team News, and Injury Updates for the London Derby

The opening Premier League match of 2025 features an all-London clash, as title-contending Arsenal travels from the northern part of the capital to face mid-table Brentford in the west.

Mikel Arteta’s squad is in need of consistent performance to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool and surpass other strong contenders like Nottingham Forest and Chelsea.

On the other hand, Brentford’s manager Thomas Frank has the chance to guide his team past underperforming rivals such as Manchester United, Tottenham, and West Ham, aiming for a potential European qualification.

A significant victory against the formidable Gunners would greatly enhance their chances.

The Sporting News examines the latest updates on team news and anticipated lineups.

Brentford vs. Arsenal Lineups, Predicted Starting XI, Team News

The home team is hopeful that four players will be fit to return for the crucial New Year’s Day match.

Sepp van den Berg, Ben Mee, and Mathias Jensen have been described by their coach as “too soon for Brighton, but let’s see for Arsenal.”

Additionally, it remains uncertain whether goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who sustained an injury during the match against Brighton, will be fit to play or if Hakon Valdimarsson will take his place.

Valdimarsson made a strong impression during his substitute appearance, preserving Flekken’s clean sheet.

It is likely that both he and fellow Premier League debutant Kim Ji-soo will be included in the lineup to allow Flekken and Mee some recovery time after a hectic festive schedule.

Brentford also faces several long-term injuries. Josh Dasilva, Ethan Pinnock, and Kristoffer Ajer are expected to return in February, while Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry do not have a set timeline for their comebacks.

Igor Thiago is dealing with a knee joint infection and is anticipated to be sidelined for “weeks,” while Gustavo Nunes is still recovering from a stress fracture in his lower back sustained earlier this month.

Brentford’s anticipated lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Valdimarsson (GK) — Roerslev, Collins, Kim, Lewis-Potter — Norgaard, Janelt — Mbuemo, Damsgaard, Schade — Wissa

Injured players include Dasilva, Henry, and Thiago (all with knee issues), as well as Pinnock, Jensen, Hickey, and Flekken (all suffering from hamstring injuries), Ajer (ankle), Van den Berg (groin), and Mee and Nunes (back problems).

There are no suspensions to report.

On the other hand, Arsenal has a smaller list of absentees, with Bukayo Saka being the most significant, as he will be sidelined for an extended period.

Alongside Saka, manager Arteta will also be without three players due to knee injuries: Ben White is expected to return around March, while Raheem Sterling and Takehiro Tomiyasu will not be available for the match against Brentford, despite showing signs of recovery.

Aside from these absences, the visitors will have their complete first team available, with Arteta likely to retain Gabriel Jesus and the promising 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly in the starting lineup.

Arsenal’s projected lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly — Odegaard, Rice, Havertz — Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard

Injured: Saka (hamstring), White, Sterling, Tomiyasu (all knee)

Suspended: None