Arsenal will open the year with a challenging London derby against Brentford on New Year’s Day, with Mikel Arteta’s squad facing a crucial fixture to kickstart 2025. As the Gunners head to the Gtech Community Stadium, several key decisions remain for Arteta, especially with a mix of form and fitness concerns ahead of this Premier League encounter.
Defensive Stability and Midfield Flexibility
Arsenal’s defense has remained relatively unchanged in recent weeks, with Arteta likely to retain the backline that has served the team well. Jurrien Timber has solidified his role as the right-back in Ben White’s absence, while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are expected to continue their strong partnership in the center. Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed with his recent performances, starting in the last three league games, and could be preferred at left-back ahead of the returning Riccardo Calafiori, who also provides Arteta with depth in that position.
Midfield Dynamics: A Potential Change
In midfield, Arteta has options, with Kai Havertz having made an impact in recent matches, including scoring and starting in the last two games. However, against a physically dominant Brentford side with an impressive home record, Arteta may opt for a more robust midfield setup. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are expected to start, but Arteta may bring in Thomas Partey or Mikel Merino to provide additional strength, potentially shifting Havertz out of the central midfield role.
Forward Line Adjustments
Up front, Gabriel Jesus’ position remains uncertain after a quieter performance in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich. Despite a prolific showing against Crystal Palace, Arteta may opt for a tactical reshuffle, moving Havertz forward in place of the Brazilian striker. Jesus could also be deployed on the right wing, with Gabriel Martinelli having started there in recent games. Leandro Trossard, who played a key role in the victory over Ipswich with an assist, will likely retain his position on the left wing.
Injury Concerns
Arsenal’s injury list includes key players such as Bukayo Saka, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Raheem Sterling, whose knee injury sustained in training before Christmas will keep him sidelined for this fixture. Additionally, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are both unavailable due to knee injuries. The absence of Saka will undoubtedly impact Arsenal’s attacking options, forcing Arteta to adjust his lineup and tactical approach.
Arsenal’s Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Raya
- Defenders: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders: Ødegaard, Partey, Rice
- Forwards: Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
Injured Players: Saka (hamstring), Sterling (knee), Tomiyasu (knee), White (knee)
Arsenal Squad Options: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Heaven, Kiwior, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Havertz, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Nwaneri, Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Jesus, Martinelli, Trossard.
Match Details:
- Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- Date & Time: 5:30 PM, Wednesday, January 1, 2024
