Arsenal Starting XI vs Brentford: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup | OneFootball

Arteta Balances Arsenal Ambitions Ahead of Brentford Clash

As Arsenal prepare to host Brentford in the Premier League this evening, Mikel Arteta finds himself threading the needle between continental aspiration and domestic duty. The Gunners are riding high after a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, but with the return leg looming in the Spanish capital on Wednesday, rotation is inevitable.

Prioritising Europe While Managing Expectations

With Arsenal all but out of the Premier League title race — trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points with just seven games remaining — Arteta’s gaze is clearly fixed on European glory. But first, Brentford must be dealt with.

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This fixture, awkwardly wedged between two of the biggest nights in the club’s recent European history, is expected to see a number of personnel changes, much like the five made ahead of the Madrid first leg, when Arsenal travelled to Everton.

Key Players Return, Fringe Faces Given Opportunity

Defensive adjustments are likely. Ben White, who made his first start since November last weekend, may replace Jurrien Timber at right-back. On the opposite flank, Kieran Tierney could be given the nod. In midfield, there is room for both Jorginho and Oleksandr Zinchenko to step in, potentially granting Declan Rice some respite after a foot knock sustained late in the Madrid win.

Arteta has confirmed Rice’s availability:“So with Dec and Bukayo, they are both fit. So it was just a matter of two kicks and they recovered well, so they are available for tomorrow,” he said.

Fresh Legs Expected in Arsenal Attack

Up front, Arteta may opt for a complete overhaul. Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling – who all featured at Goodison Park – could come in for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino.

Arteta also offered an update on Riccardo Calafiori, currently sidelined with a knee injury:“And Ricky is progressing really well. I think to give you a timeline is difficult because he needs to step up, especially having more people around and how he reacts to that. But he is in a good place I think.”

Arsenal Squad and Predicted Line-Up vs Brentford

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney; Odegaard, Jorginho, Zinchenko; Nwaneri, Trossard, SterlingInjured: Calafiori (knee), Gabriel (hamstring), Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Tomiyasu (knee)Squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Kacurri, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Sterling, TrossardKick-off: 5:30pm BST, Saturday 12 April 2025