Mikel Arteta could use the EFL Cup clash with Brentford as a chance to rest key Arsenal players, but will aim to progress to the next round.
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players left the Emirates disappointed after Sunday’s 2-2 draw in the North London Derby, not an ideal result ahead of the EFL clash against Brentford. The result felt like a defeat to many. But the Gunners maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign.
On the North London Derby, Arteta was a bit disappointed at his side’s ability to concede quick goals. Injuries to some of his key players may have also cost them three points, but for the time being, he will remain happy with one.
💬 "We wanted more but you have to make the most out of it and we didn’t. The moments where we had dominance of the game and control, we conceded the goals and that was a big, big blow."
Mikel shares his reaction to our north London derby draw 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 24, 2023
Now, the Gunners make the short trip to Brentford as they will look to open their account in the EFL Cup. Last season, they were ousted early by Brighton & Hove Albion. But Arteta will think about going the distance this time around, as this competition will provide the opportunity for his fringe players to make their mark.
After a stellar start to their Premier League campaign, Brentford have endured some difficult results. Manager Thomas Frank will have an honest reflection on those, especially after what transpired last weekend at home. Everton came here in their most dreadful run of form and took three points with ease, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
James Tarkowski was one of the Toffees’ heroes, as he gave Everton the lead again after Mathias Jansen had canceled out Abdoulaye Doucoure’s opening strike. Dominic Calvert-Lewin put the finishing touches with a third goal, and Frank will want answers from his players when they take on Arsenal.
Even in their EFL Cup game in the previous round, Brentford struggled to break down Newport County. Late drama in that game saw both sides score at the death, but the Bees had the upper hand in a penalty shootout. Frank will hope there’s no repeat of that performance against the Gunners, who could punish them for their mistakes.
Team News & Tactics
Brentford
Brentford’s injury list kept growing as Kevin Schade and Rico Henry joined Ben Mee, Mikkel Damsgaard and Shandon Baptiste on the sidelines. Schade will be out for months, as Thomas Frank confirmed, while Henry could miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
We're all with you, @kevinschade_ 🙏
You'll come back stronger 💪 pic.twitter.com/YVayCL07MD
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 26, 2023
Ben Mee will also miss a few weeks. Hence, he is not available for the Arsenal clash. Therefore, including Ivan Toney’s ban, Brentford will miss at least seven first-team players for the coming period. The manager will still look to rotate his lineup a bit for this clash.
Bryan Mbeumo could make do with some rest and could sit on the bench. Yoane Wissa and Keane Lewis-Potter could continue their foray in the attacking third, as Neal Maupay could lead the line for the Bees. At the back, Kristoffer Ajer and Zanka could form a central defensive partnership.
Similarly, Frank Onyeka and Saman Ghoddos could also feature in central midfield for the Bees. Overall, there are plenty of changes from their recent loss to Everton, as Arsenal are also expected to refresh their setup for this cup clash.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Strakosha; Roerslev, Zanka, Ajer, Hickey; Onyeka, Janelt, Ghoddos; Lewis-Potter, Maupay, Wissa
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is likely to rotate his side heavily, but the absence of many key players would probably let him keep some members of his Premier League main team here. For instance, the Gunners lack defensive depth that could see the manager retain William Saliba in the starting lineup.
Our Player of the Month for August, @_DeclanRice ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ie38fh6m34
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 26, 2023
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and Cedric Soares will take up spots in the backline. Aaron Ramsdale could also return to the starting lineup after being replaced by former Brentford star David Raya in goal.
In the midfield, Declan Rice should be ruled out as Jorginho will take his place, although Mohamed Elneny might sit at the base of that midfield.
It will seem like a double pivot with Elneny and Jorginho, meaning Kai Havertz could play an advanced role in this clash. Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson could also feature out wide on the wings, while Eddie Nketiah might lead the line for the Gunners.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Cedric, Saliba, Kiwior, Tomiyasu; Jorginho, Elneny; Nelson, Havertz, Smith Rowe; Nketiah
Key Stats
- Brentford and Arsenal will meet in this competition only for the second time.
- Brentford have lost their last two games.
- Brentford have scored in 14 consecutive games on home soil.
- Arsenal have had an unbeaten start to their season in all competitions.
- Arsenal have been knocked out of the third round of the EFL Cup in successive seasons.
Player to Watch
Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale isn’t the type to give up at the first sign of a fight, I can assure you that.
Ramsdale produced his best performances for Arsenal when he had Bernd Leno challenging him for the number one spot.
I’m confident Ramsdale is about to take his game to the next level,… pic.twitter.com/v1Yuw2tJdt
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) September 25, 2023
Much has been spoken about the England international during the last week. Arsenal played three games, including their UEFA Champions League opener, as former Brentford star David Raya took over Ramsdale’s position in Arteta’s lineup.
Ramsdale could make a return to the side immediately in the EFL Cup, and this is his chance to prove his mettle in the position. For now, Arteta remains undecided on his No.1 choice, and the England international will have to put on a great show to make him keep thinking for longer periods.
Prediction
Brentford 1-2 Arsenal
Brentford’s phenomenal scoring record at home will see them net again, with Arsenal likely to field a much-changed defensive setup. The Gunners have the overall quality on the pitch, while the Bees have a massive injury to their key first-team members.
Arsenal also have injury issues, but the quality they have as depth will likely take the win at Brentford. Many of the Gunners’ fringe stars will be eager to show their form to the manager and come into the thinking for Premier League games going forward.
