Premier League leaders Arsenal head across London on Thursday night to face a confident Brentford side at the Gtech Community Stadium, knowing that history presents them with a curious obstacle.
Mikel Arteta’s team are unbeaten in 12 straight midweek Premier League fixtures, yet they have failed to win — or even score — in their last three Thursday league matches. It is a peculiar quirk for a side that otherwise looks increasingly like genuine title favourites.
Arsenal warmed up for this derby with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sunderland last weekend. Viktor Gyokeres struck twice, while Martin Zubimendi continued his impressive scoring run to ensure the Gunners maintained their momentum at the summit.
The win briefly extended Arsenal’s advantage to nine points — their biggest cushion at the top since the 2003-04 Invincibles season — although Manchester City’s dramatic comeback at Anfield trimmed that gap. Even so, Arteta’s men still hold a healthy six-point lead and appear to have recovered from their slight wobble in January.
Defensive solidity has returned to complement their attacking sharpness. Arsenal have kept three consecutive clean sheets against Sunderland, Leeds United and Chelsea, and another shutout would mark their best defensive run since the remarkable 812-minute streak without conceding in November. Since the start of the 2022-23 campaign, they have also avoided defeat in 19 of 20 away London derbies — an imposing record.
Brentford, however, will not be overawed.
Keith Andrews’ side arrive in excellent spirits after back-to-back away victories. A gritty 1-0 win at Aston Villa — achieved with 10 men — was followed by a thrilling 3-2 triumph at Newcastle United. Igor Thiago continued his prolific campaign with his 17th league goal of the season, while Dango Ouattara struck a late winner at St James’ Park.
Seventh in the table and just five points off the top four, Brentford are firmly in the European conversation. Curiously, though, their recent success has come away from home.
The Bees have won five of their last six matches on the road but have been less convincing at the Gtech, claiming only two victories in their last five there and failing to score in two of their last three home games.
There is also an uncomfortable historical footnote for the hosts. Brentford have only once suffered consecutive Premier League home defeats since the beginning of last season — and the second match in that sequence was against Arsenal.
Recent meetings favour the visitors as well. Arsenal are unbeaten in eight matches against Brentford and won this fixture 3-1 on New Year’s Day 2025 before securing a 2-0 victory in December.
Injuries & Suspensions
Arsenal’s squad situation remains somewhat unclear. Martin Odegaard (unspecified issue) and Bukayo Saka (hip) both missed the Sunderland match, and Arteta has been predictably guarded about their availability.There are confirmed absentees. Max Dowman remains sidelined with an ankle injury, while Mikel Merino is recovering from foot surgery. Leandro Trossard is also a doubt after picking up a calf problem last weekend.
Gabriel Martinelli is ready to step in if required, and Gyokeres is expected to lead the line again after his brace last time out. The Swedish forward has six goals in all competitions since the turn of the year — more than any other Premier League player in that period.
Arsenal were dealt a further setback on the eve of the match, with reports suggesting Kai Havertz has suffered a muscular injury that could keep him out for several weeks. Eberechi Eze is therefore in line to start in midfield.
Brentford also have attacking absences to manage. Kevin Schade serves the second match of his suspension, while Reiss Nelson is ineligible against his parent club. Long-term knee injuries continue to sideline Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo and Josh Dasilva.
Andrews may consider a midfield adjustment after Jordan Henderson was substituted early against Newcastle, with Yehor Yarmoliuk pushing for inclusion. Thiago, meanwhile, boasts an outstanding home record, having scored nine times in his last 10 top-flight appearances at the Gtech.
Possible Starting Lineups
Brentford:Kelleher; Kayode, Van den Berg, Ajer, Henry; Janelt, Henderson; Ouattara, Jensen, Lewis-Potter; Thiago
Arsenal:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Prediction
Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
