Arsenal are in action on the first night of the new Premier League season as they get underway against newly-promoted Brentford this evening.
The Bees will be desperate to hit the ground running in their first ever Premier League game and first in the top flight in 74 years. Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo will be key to their success.
Arsenal have got their summer business done early to plug gaps in the squad, and should hand out at least two debuts tonight, but Mikel Arteta will need a quick start to stop further questions over his future.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Brentford vs Arsenal is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight - Friday, August 13, 2021 - at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Where to watch Brentford vs Arsenal
TV channel: Tonight’s match will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the website or Sky Go app.
Brentford vs Arsenal team news and lineups
Brentford: Raya, Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock, Henry, Janelt, Onyeka, Mbeumo, Norgaard, Canos, Toney
Subs: Goode, Forss, Wissa, Gunnarsson, Ghoddos, Dervisoglu, Bidstrup, Sorensen, Roerslev
Arsenal: Leno, Chambers, White, Pablo Mari, Tierney, Sambi Lokonga, Xhaka, Pepe, Smith-Rowe, Martinelli, Balogun
Subs: Bellerin, Saka, Maitland-Niles, Holding, Cedric, Tavares, Nelson, Elneny, Hein
Referee: Michael Oliver
Brentford vs Arsenal prediction
Brentford fans will have the stadium rocking for their Premier League bow and the players will thrive off it.
However, Arsenal have been in this situation before when visiting newly-promoted Fulham on the opening day of last season and brushing them aside.
This Bees side will remain a bit of an enigma for the opening weeks of the season but are more than capable of beating an Arsenal team with a weak core and a weaker defence.
Arteta will hope his summer business paids quick divends.
I’m going for a 2-2 draw.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
- Brentford wins: 5
- Draws: 4
- Arsenal wins: 4
Betting odds and tips
- Brentford to win: 7/2
- Draw: 14/5
- Arsenal to win: 10/11
