Arsenal take on Brentford looking to return to second place in the Premier League and close the gap to Liverpool to six points, having played a game more. Every game feels like a must-win with any slip-up sparking questions of whether the title race is even still on.
Mikel Arteta still must contend with the absence of Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling is not quite yet ready, having not been spotted in training. With Chelsea losing there is a chance to take advantage and create more of a buffer with those outside of the race.
Tom Canton
It was quite the sight to see the bench against Ipswich, with zero senior forward players among the substitutes. Against Brentford, even still without both Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, that for me must change.
Bringing Mikel Merino into the midfield, pushing Kai Havertz into the forward line and moving Gabriel Jesus to the wide right. It means that Leandro Trossard can come off the bench should he need to with Ethan Nwaneri also available to offer more threat should it be needed.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard complete the midfield, while the only change to the back four is at left-back. Riccardo Calafiori comes in to start with Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber naturally start ahead of David Raya.
Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Brentford: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli
