ARSENAL return to Premier League action against Brentford following their dream victory over Real Madrid in Europe.
Arsenal vs Brentford preview
Arsenal supporters are still on cloud nine following their scintillating Champions League triumph over Real Madrid in midweek.
In what may go down as the greatest night in the club’s European history, the Gunners stunned Carlo Ancelotti’s reigning champions with a resounding 3-0 victory in the first leg of their quarter-final tie – a result that featured two outstanding free-kicks from Declan Rice.
It marks Arsenal’s best European showing in over a decade, with the north Londoners now just four matches away from a maiden Champions League title. Not since the 2008â09 campaign have they reached the semi-final stage of the competition.
Back on the domestic front, Arsenal appear destined for a second-place finish in the Premier League, with Liverpool holding an 11-point cushion as the season enters its final stretch.
With the decisive return leg in Madrid looming on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta may be tempted to rotate his squad this weekend – perhaps similar to the starting XI who drew 1-1 with Everton.
That said, this is a fixture Arsenal have traditionally enjoyed.
They’ve lost just once in 10 home meetings with Brentford across all competitions (W5 D4), and have been dominant in capital clashes â suffering only one defeat in their last 15 London derbies, scoring five or more goals in five of those encounters.
Momentum is firmly on Arsenal’s side. They are unbeaten in their last eight outings and have conceded just 12 goals in 18 Premier League matches since the start of December.
As for Brentford, their European aspirations have taken a hit, with only one win in their last five games stalling their upward push.
The Bees had enjoyed a fine run on the road â winning five of their previous six away fixtures – but that streak came to an abrupt end at St James’ Park last time out.
- Arsenal 5/8 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
- Draw 10/3 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
- Brentford 24/5 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Settle down
It could take a while for Arsenal to settle following their Champions League heroics and goals could be in short supply – especially with next week's second leg against Real Madrid looming.
Arsenal's fluency could be affected by several changes to the starting XI, and that's far from ideal against a Brentford side who've registered four clean sheets in their last seven away games.
Since the start of December, Arsenal have conceded just 12 goals in their 18 Premier League games, so we're backing a lowkey first-half showing on Saturday.
- 1st Half Over/Under Goals – Under 0.5 at 23/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
Saka
Bukayo Saka has been involved in 12 goals in his last 11 home games for Arsenal in the Premier League (6 goals, 6 assists), netting what proved to be the winner against Fulham last time out on home soil.
He's also been directly involved in 15 goals in his last 17 London derby appearances in the Premier League. He's netted once and provided four assists in six games against Brentford, so we're backing him to strike late on on Saturday – perhaps as a substitute.
- To Score In The 2nd Half – Bukayo Saka at 10/3 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
