Football
Brentford vs Arsenal Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Happy New Year! What an incredible day to welcome in the new year, Brentford host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in what could be a rather tricky game for the visitors. Brentford have been brilliant at home and Arsenal are without some of their big names – could this be a potential banana-skin game? SportsBoom unpacks everything you need to know, from the latest insights, online Premier League betting odds and our Brentford vs Arsenal prediction.
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Gabriel Jesus and Crystal Palace//Getty Images
Pre-game odds and win probability: Arsenal Heavily Backed
Home: 5/1 (6.0) – 15%
Draw: 19/5 (4.8) – 19%
Away: 12/25 (1.48) – 66%
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (Premier League)
09/03/2024: Arsenal 2–1 Brentford
25/11/2023: Brentford 0–1 Arsenal
11/02/2023: Arsenal 1–1 Brentford
18/09/2022: Brentford 0–3 Arsenal
19/02/2022: Arsenal 2–1 Brentford
Brentford Current Form – LWLLL
For the most part of the season, Brentford has been incredible at home and horrible on the road. The loss to Nottingham Forest at home would have something to say about that statement – but for the most part, it can be seen as an anomaly.
The Bees always look dangerous going forward, Thomas Frank’s side are often less concerned with their average defensive shape and possession numbers and rather prefer to break with pace, play direct balls into the final third and put pressure on the defensive system of their opponents.
This style has seen them remain competitive against any opponent, however, the confidence with which they do this is seemingly pegged higher than when they travel.
Key Players to Watch
- Mark Flekken: Flekken is a keeper who has enjoyed a really positive season with the Bees. His footwork and shot-stopping ability, coupled with the way in which he commands his 18-yard area has seen Brentford often exude an uncharacteristic confidence in their defensive third.
- Bryan Mbeumo: You will keep seeing Mbeumo’s name repeated in many conversations around Brentford, especially in terms of their attacking data. He is arguably one of their most consistent attacking options and they will be hopeful of another big showing here.
- Mikkel Damsgaard: There isn’t enough being made about the quality Damsgaard has shown this season. Statistically, his defensive numbers – in terms of dispossessing opponents and completing tackles and passes – are only outdone by his attacking metrics.
Brentford Team News
Aaron Hickey (hamstring strain), Gustavo Nunes (back injury), Josh Da Silva (knee injury), Mathias Jensen (hamstring injury), Rico Henry (knee injury) and Sepp van den Berg (groin injury) are all sidelined by injury for Thomas Frank’s side.
Arsenal Current Form – DWDWW
Arsenal have stuttered and stammered against teams that are happy to set up shop and simply defend space for the majority of the game. Mikel Arteta will know his team need pretty much every point on offer if they have any hope of putting any sort of pressure on the league leaders.
The fact that Gabriel Jesus is back scoring goals will be crucial for Arsenal. The injury to Bukayo Saka has sidelined him for the next few weeks – which is a huge blow to their attacking options.
Arsenal will need to start this game strong, quiet the crowd and ensure they begin to dictate the pace and direction of this contest.
Key Players to Watch
- Martin Odegaard: He is the epitome of creativity and confidence for Arsenal at the moment. Whilst he was sidelined Arsenal struggled to find fluidity in the midfield, but his precision of play is just simply pivotal to Arsenal’s success.
- Gabriel Jesus: His adaptability and clinical play make him vitally important for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta will know that if Jesus is playing with confidence, they have a special attacking threat in their team.
As we’ve already mentioned, he will be vital while Saka is out injured. - Gabriel Magalhaes: Gabriel is another player vital for Arsenal’s success. His authority in their back line, his power during their all-important set pieces and the physicality with which he defends make him a difficult player to get the better of for their opponents and one to watch for the Gunners.
Arsenal Team News
Ben White (knee injury), Bukayo Saka (hamstring injury), Oleksandr Zinchenko (knock), Raheem Sterling (knee injury) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee injury) are all out for Arsenal.
Predicted Line-Up
Brentford: 4-3-3
Flekken, Ajer, Collins, Mee, Lewis-Potter, Janelt, Norgaard, Damsgaard, Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade.
Arsenal: 4-3-3
Raya, Lewis-Skelly, Magalhaes, Saliba, Timber, Havertz, Partey, Ødegaard, Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.
Suggested Bets
These are our suggested bets and betting strategies for the game between Brentford and Arsenal. Ensure you follow our suggested best-rated sportsbooks for maximum betting odds and value.
Arsenal Win: If Arsenal shows up, they have the quality and depth in their squad to win this game. 4/10 (1.4) with Betway.
Over 2.5 Goals: For punters hesitant to back both teams scoring market, over 2.5 goals are another suggested play. 5/10 (1.5) with Pinnacle
Both Teams to Score: Brentford at home together with the fact that both teams have scored in five of Arsenal’s six derbies throughout this season. 7/10 (1.7) with 1xBet and Betway
Value Bets
Highest Scoring Half (2nd): We suspect this game will open up more and more as it progresses. Brentford might find themselves in a position to chase the game and in so doing leave a ton of space exposed. 47/50 (1.94) with BetWinner
Correct Score (3-1): Arsenal certainly has the ability to run away with it, but Brentford will not roll over at home. 10/1 (11.0) with Betway and BetWinner.
Gabriel Jesus (Anytime Goalscorer): The attacking ace has become crucial for the Gunners, and we think he will continue to live up to these expectations. Gabriel Jesus has – at the time of writing – scored five goals in his last two starts, back his current run of form. 3/1 (4.0) with BetWinner
Prediction: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Yes, we think Arsenal have the quality and ability to claim all three points here. However, our prediction for Brentford vs Arsenal and the safest betting angle is both teams scoring here. The hosts will be up for it at home, they have attacking threats of their own and together with Arsenal stuttering through their recent fixtures – we think this is the best bet for New Year's Day!
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.
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