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The Emirates Stadium is buzzing with anticipation as Arsenal gear up to face Brentford in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday, April 12, 2025. With the Gunners riding high after a stunning midweek Champions League victory, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about today’s game, from kickoff details to key battles and a predicted outcome, all backed by the latest data and insights.
Kickoff Details
- Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM BST (6:30 PM CET, 12:30 PM EDT)
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event (UK), NBC/Peacock (US), and various global broadcasters. Live commentary is also available on BBC Radio 5 Live from 5:30 PM BST.
- Referee: Simon Hooper, who has officiated three Brentford matches this season without a loss for the Bees, averaging 4.75 yellow cards per game.
This late Saturday kickoff sets the stage for Arsenal to keep their Premier League title hopes alive, while Brentford aim to pull off an upset in North London.
Match Preview
Arsenal are in scintillating form, sitting second in the Premier League with 62 points from 31 matches, trailing leaders Liverpool. Their recent 3-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Mikel Arteta’s side has won five of their last six league games against Brentford, with their only blemish being a draw. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last seven encounters with the Bees, and they’ve lost just once in their last 10 home games against Brentford across all competitions—a 2-0 defeat way back in April 1938.
Brentford, meanwhile, are comfortably mid-table in 12th place with 42 points. Thomas Frank’s side has been a tough nut to crack, especially on the road, where they won five consecutive away games before a recent loss to Newcastle. Their 0-0 draw against Chelsea last week highlighted their defensive resilience, but they’ll need to be at their absolute best to trouble an Arsenal side brimming with confidence.
Historically, Arsenal holds the edge, winning 10 of 21 matches against Brentford, compared to the Bees’ six victories. However, Brentford’s ability to spring surprises—evidenced by their 2-0 win at the Emirates in 2021—means Arteta’s men can’t afford complacency, especially with a daunting Champions League return leg against Real Madrid looming next week.
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| Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images |
Team News
Arsenal:
The Gunners are grappling with several injury concerns. Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori are sidelined, which could stretch their squad depth. However, there’s positive news for key men Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who shook off minor knocks from the Real Madrid game and are available. Arteta is likely to rotate his squad to manage fatigue, with Ben White, Kieran Tierney, and Leandro Trossard potentially coming into the starting XI. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri could also see minutes after impressing in recent cameos.
Brentford:
The Bees have a relatively clean bill of health. Thomas Frank confirmed there are no new injury concerns, with the same squad that faced Chelsea available. Fabio Carvalho, Joshua Dasilva, and Thiago are long-term absentees, while Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Nunes are doubtful. Brentford’s attacking trio of Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Kevin Schade will be crucial, with Christian Norgaard pulling the strings in midfield.
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| Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images |
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney; Martin Odegaard (c), Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Leandro Trossard, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli.
Arteta is expected to make around five changes from the side that beat Real Madrid, balancing freshness with quality. Raya remains a constant in goal, while Saliba anchors the defense. Zinchenko’s inclusion could add creativity from midfield, and Trossard’s versatility might see him deployed on the right to rest Saka.
Brentford (4-2-3-1):
Mark Flekken; Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, Keane Lewis-Potter; Christian Norgaard (c), Yehor Yarmoliuk; Bryan Mbeumo, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade; Yoane Wissa.
Frank is likely to stick with the lineup that held Chelsea scoreless. Norgaard’s experience in midfield will be vital, while Mbeumo and Wissa’s pace could exploit any gaps left by Arsenal’s rotated backline.
Key Battles and Matchups
- Bukayo Saka (if he plays) vs Keane Lewis-Potter: Saka has been a nightmare for London rivals, contributing to 15 goals (8 scored, 7 assisted) in his last 17 capital derbies. If he starts, Brentford’s left-back Lewis-Potter will have his hands full containing the winger’s dribbling and incisive runs. Should Arteta rest Saka, Trossard’s flair will still test Lewis-Potter’s defensive nous.
- Christian Norgaard vs Martin Odegaard: Brentford’s midfield linchpin Norgaard has a knack for performing against Arsenal, with three goal involvements (2 goals, 1 assist) in six Premier League games against them. His battle with Arsenal’s creative hub Odegaard will be pivotal. Odegaard’s ability to dictate tempo and find pockets of space could stretch Brentford’s compact midfield, but Norgaard’s tenacity might disrupt the Gunners’ rhythm.
- William Saliba vs Yoane Wissa: Saliba has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defense, but Brentford’s Wissa poses a unique threat with his movement and finishing. Wissa’s pace could exploit any high-line lapses, especially if Arsenal push forward. Saliba’s composure and reading of the game will be crucial to keeping Brentford’s attack at bay.
Predicted Outcome
Arsenal are the rightful favorites, boasting a 62.5% win probability according to recent analyses. Their home form is formidable, with only one loss in their last 10 home games against Brentford, and they’ve conceded just one goal in three of their last four Premier League matches at the Emirates. However, Brentford’s dogged defending and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous underdogs.
Arteta’s rotation could lead to a slightly disjointed performance, but the Gunners’ depth and quality should shine through. Brentford will likely frustrate Arsenal early, sitting deep and looking to hit on the break. Still, Arsenal’s attacking firepower, led by Odegaard’s vision and Martinelli’s pace, should find a way through.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
Expect a hard-fought first half, with Arsenal breaking the deadlock after the interval through a set-piece or a moment of individual brilliance. A second goal late on should seal the points, keeping Arsenal firmly in the title race.