Brentford goes head-to-head against Arsenal in New Year’s Day London Derby.
[introduction]
After last Friday’s draw against Brighton, the Bees take on Arsenal in New Year’s Day London Derby, hoping to get back to winning ways. Brentford vs. Arsenal kicks off at 17:30 [GMT] on Wednesday, January 1, at the Gtech Community Stadium.
[home]
An injury-ravaged Brentford managed to end a streak of losses with a goalless draw against Brighton [LWLLD] last Friday, leaving them 12th in the standings with 24 points from 18 games [7W, 3D, 8L]. While the Bees avoided conceding on the road for just the second time in the league this season, injuries to first-choice goalkeeper Mark Flekken and defender Ben Mee left them thinner on personnel after the game. ‘On both Flekken and Mee, we’ll know more when we really assess them,’ Thomas Frank told reporters, giving an update on the pair, who joined the lengthy injury list that includes as many as 11 players. Frank’s thin squad will welcome London rivals Arsenal to the Gtech Stadium on New Year’s Day, hoping their defensive dilemma won’t deter them from getting back to winning ways. The Bees can take encouragement from their strong New Year’s Day record, having won four of the last six matches played on New Year’s Day [4W, 2D, 0L]. In addition, they have also won their first league game in each of the last five calendar years. A 3—5—2 could be seen, with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa leading the attack. Meanwhile, Mee, Flekken, and central midfielder Mathias Jensen are in doubt for the clash due to injuries. Pinnock is sidelined with a knock until early February.
[away]
Arsenal secured back-to-back victories [WDDWW] following a pedestrian 1–0 win against newly promoted Ipswich on Friday. Kai Havertz’s 24th-minute close-range effort proved decisive as Mikel Arteta’s side moved up to second in the standings with 36 points [10W, 6D, 2L], six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. ‘I’m very happy with the victory,’ Arteta said. The Gunners will travel across town to face Brentford on New Year’s Day, aiming to extend their winning streak to three. The Gtech has been a favourable hunting ground for the visitors, who have won their last three games at the venue across all competitions without conceding a single goal. Arsenal could achieve four consecutive away clean-sheet wins against an opponent for the first time since they did so against Sunderland between 2003 and 2008. Adding to the Gunners’ confidence is their impressive record in first league games of a calendar year, having won six of the last nine such fixtures [6W, 2D, 1L]. Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli could feature in attack in a 4—3—3. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka remains sidelined till late February.
