A few players’ availability remains doubtful, but Arsenal are expected to field a strong lineup against Brentford, with Thomas Partey set to return.
Mikel Arteta may make changes from Arsenal’s last game, which came in the UEFA Europa League against FC Zurich ten days ago. In light of the enforced postponements of two games, Arsenal will have Thomas Partey returning to midfield in the game against Brentford on Sunday after missing a few matches with a thigh injury.
Partey was reportedly fit for the now-postponed Everton clash, and with another week to get fully fit, the Ghanaian midfielder might be in contention to start. However, a few injury doubts have been reported in the media, which Arteta failed to confirm during his pre-match press conference, instead suggesting the final updates may arrive on Sunday.
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Arteta said, “Unfortunately, updates will be tomorrow. Whoever will have to be ruled out, that is going to be tomorrow. We have those 24 hours to see. One or two can be considered tomorrow for training and for selection, and that will be key in the next twenty-four hours.”
Despite reports suggesting he is a fitness doubt trained on Friday, Ben White is in line to start at right-back. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will continue at the heart of the Arsenal defence, but there could be a start for Kieran Tierney in place of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who remains doubtful.
With Partey set to return, Albert Sambi Lokonga could be relegated to the bench, as Arteta will prefer Granit Xhaka in the double pivot. Martin Odegaard will play the advanced role ahead of the two central midfielders. Meanwhile, there are no reported problems from the attacking unit barring Emile Smith Rowe, whose return remains unknown.
Bukayo Saka will start on the right side of the Arsenal attack, with Gabriel Martinelli the preferred choice on the left flank. Gabriel Jesus will continue to lead the line against Brentford, hoping to break his duck in away games for Arsenal this season.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
Up up up gunners