Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made two changes to the starting line-up for the Premier League clash against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been in exemplary league form since the start of the year and they have won seven games on the bounce with 31 goals scored.
The club will be eyeing an eighth straight win to temporarily return to the top of the table. Ahead of the derby, Arteta has made a couple of changes.
Aaron Ramsdale obviously replaces David Raya in goal. The Spaniard is ineligible to face his parent club. He is currently on loan from Thomas Frank’s side.
Elsewhere, there is an enforced change in attack with the minor injury for Gabriel Martinelli. Leandro Trossard starts on the left wing in the Brazilian’s absence.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Brentford: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Trossard; Havertz.
Arteta would have ideally preferred an unchanged starting XI but both changes have been forced on him.
Martinelli suffered a minor cut on his left leg during the 6-0 victory over Sheffield United. He has not recovered in time for the derby. Hopefully, he will be available to face Porto in midweek.
Ramsdale was always expected to return as Raya can’t face the Bees. The Englishman will be aiming for his third clean sheet of the top-flight campaign. He previously managed a shut-out at Brentford.
Arsenal could be top by the end of the weekend if Liverpool and Manchester City share the spoils at Anfield. For now, they need to fully concentrate on securing three points against Brentford.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
