Arsenal predicted starting XI vs Brentford today as Mikel Arteta decides on Brazil trio – Four Key players returns from injury
Arsenal are back in action for the first time since before the international break when they travel to Brentford on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit third, one point behind leaders Manchester City and level with second-place Liverpool ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. But with the top two set to face off in the 12:30pm kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal could be further adrift of their title rivals before they play at 5:30pm.
The Gunners earned a 3-1 victory over Burnley in their last match before the two-week break and will be keen to build on a positive result, after losing their first top-flight game at Newcastle. Arsenal will also be buoyed by the fact they went away to Brentford and beat them in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.
But how could Arteta line his Arsenal side up against the Bees? In goal, the Gunners boss has already confirmed that Aaron Ramsdale will start in between the sticks. David Raya is ineligible to face his parent club and Ramsdale will be handed his first Premier League start since September 3.
At the back, Takehiro Tomiyasu could keep his place in the XI with Ben White facing a late fitness test ahead of the trip across London. Despite being one of three Arsenal players to feature for Brazil against Argentina, Gabriel is expected to start for the Gunners alongside William Saliba. Oleksandr Zincenko, who saw his Ukraine side fail to qualify automatically for Euro 2024, is set to play on the left side of the back four.
Moving into midfield and Declan Rice could start for the 13th successive Premier League game following his £105million summer move from West Ham. Rice has made an impressive start to life at the Emirates Stadium, and he may play alongside Jorginho and Martin Odegaard in midfield against Brentford. Odegaard has missed the last three matches through injury and is facing a late fitness test to start.
As for the front-three, Saka is expected to play on the right-wing, having featured in both matches for England during the international break. In the central berth, Arteta has a decision to make. Gabriel Jesus made his return from injury for Brazil against Argentina and is set to have a late fitness test, while Eddie Nketiah is pushing to play after not starting in the win over Burnley.
