Arsenal vs Brentford: Saturday, 3:00pm
Saturday will be uncharted territory for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, at least this season.
Defeat at Everton last week means they have lost back-to-back games this term for the first time. Just how they will react to that will go a long way to informing us whether they can go on and win the Premier League.
Man City’s defeat at Tottenham meant that Arsenal’s slip-up at Goodison was not fully exposed.
The Gunners remain five points clear of the champions with a game in hand. However, another defeat will get the alarm bells ringing in the Clock End.
Last week it paid dividends to oppose Arsenal and we sided with Everton, albeit on the handicap, and it may be worth doing that again on Saturday.
Arsenal are the heavy odds-on favourites and rightfully so after winning eight of their nine games at home. But their recent form has taken a hit and Arteta responded by claiming: “Today I love them much better than the week before or a month ago.”
It was a hopeful arm around his squad from Arteta after a toothless performance which saw them hit the target just three times despite dominating possession.
A repeat of that scenario is likely again with Arsenal set to dominate possession. At home, though, the Gunners have been formidable, winning eight times and scoring 25 goals.
Manchester United and Liverpool have been dispatched by the same scoreline – 3-2 – and their xG (2.45) on home soil is bettered only by Manchester City.
Brentford, however, look set up to cause Arsenal problems, despite their poor away record. The Bees have won just twice away from home – at Man City and West Ham – but both came recently in December.
Thomas Frank’s men are a dangerous counter-attacking team and they have shown they can be prolific with the chances they create.
Only Manchester United (seven) have scored more goals on the quick break than Brentford (five).
The Bees have plenty of pace throughout their team and they will arrive at The Emirates looking to expose Arsenal in transition. They ruthlessly exposed Southampton last time out and brushed the Saints aside 3-0.
Frank’s men have conceded 18 goals on the road and it could be a game full of goals; certainly a match where both teams will score.
It could even be a contest that sees over 3.5 goals and Brentford are worth backing with a one-goal start on the handicap.
Key stats
- Brentford have kept a clean sheet in their last three PL matches
- Brentford have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight PL matches
- Brentford are undefeated in their last nine PL matches
- Arsenal have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season
Suggested bets
- Arsenal vs Brentford BTTS – 20/21
- Arsenal vs Brentford over 3.5 goals – 9/5
- Brentford (+1) to beat Arsenal on the handicap – 9/5
*Prices subject to fluctuation.
