Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Brentford vs Arsenal
Kickoff Time: 2023-11-26 01:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/TOBY MELVILLE
Brentford have had a decent overall
performance this season, currently holding a record of four wins, four draws,
and four losses. However, they have faced challenges with the absence of Ivan
Toney due to suspension. To address this, they made a high-priced acquisition
of winger Kevin Schade. Unfortunately, Schade has been sidelined with an injury
since mid-September, forcing them to reshuffle their forward line. In most
cases, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, who are typically wingers, have been
deployed in the center. As a result, Brentford have experienced a notable
decrease in their shooting efficiency, only managing to create one goal from
three promising opportunities. Considering their previous formation against
stronger opponents, it is expected that Brentford will continue utilizing a 352
formation. This formation emphasizes defensive counterattacks and deploys a
crowded midfield to capitalize on interceptions and clearances.
Arsenal have been performing strongly in
the Premier League this season, having lost only once and emerging as a strong
contender for the title. Ahead of their upcoming game, they received positive
news as Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus returned to training and are
available to start. Under Coach Mikel Arteta’s tactical
approach, the midfielders are expected to meet high demands. They are required
to exhibit “pass control + speed up” during attacking plays and
demonstrate “sweep + cover” defensive capabilities. In their previous
away defeat against Newcastle United, Arsenal encountered issues with passing
control, resulting in a low number of key passes. However, with the return of
Odegaard and the wing breakthroughs provided by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel
Martinelli, Arsenal’s offensive prowess has significantly improved. It is
anticipated that as the game progresses, Arsenal will predominantly play on the
counterattack during away matches and take the initiative in their gameplay.
Stats indicate that Arsenal have been
highly active in the opponent’s penalty area this season, having touched the
ball 438 times, the highest among all Premier League teams. This could pose a
significant challenge for Brentford, particularly considering the physical
attributes of their main central defenders, Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins,
who are both over 1.90 meters tall but may have slower movement speed.
Arsenal’s short and agile forwards could exploit this potential weakness,
making it difficult for Brentford’s defenders to cope. Moreover, the previous
encounter between Arsenal and Brentford in the third round of the EFL Cup this
season showcased a noticeable gap in strength. Despite Arsenal fielding a
reserve team and Brentford playing with their main players, Arsenal emerged
victorious. With Arsenal’s main players now back in action, they will
undoubtedly be determined to seize the opportunity and secure all three points
in the upcoming match.
Brentford’s Last 5 Games: LWWWL
23-11-12 Liverpool 3-0 Brentford
23-11-04 Brentford 3-2 West Ham United
23-10-28 Chelsea 0-2 Brentford
23-10-21 Brentford 3-0 Burnley
23-10-07 Manchester United 2-1 Brentford
Arsenal’s Last 5 Games: WWLLW
23-11-11 Arsenal 3-1 Burnley
23-11-09 Arsenal 2-0 Sevilla
23-11-05 Newcastle United 1-0 Arsenal
23-11-02 West Ham United 3-1 Arsenal
23-10-28 Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United
Head To Head Record:
23-09-28 Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
23-02-11 Arsenal 1-1 Brentford
22-09-18 Brentford 0-3 Arsenal
22-02-19 Arsenal 2-1 Brentford
21-08-14 Brentford 2-0 Arsenal
Prediction:
Arsenal to win