Brentford Vs Arsenal: Leaders Aim To Break Thursday Curse In London Derby

‎Arsenal head to the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday night looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League, but they must overcome a strange and unwelcome trend.

‎While the Gunners are unbeaten in 12 straight midweek Premier League matches, they have failed to score in any of their last three Thursday fixtures specifically.

‎Arsenal Entering in Strong Form Despite Anfield Shock

‎Mikel Arteta’s men arrive in buoyant spirits after a routine 3-0 win over Sunderland last weekend.

‎Viktor Gyökeres continued his brilliant February with a composed brace, while Martin Zubimendi added another goal to cap off a comfortable afternoon for the league leaders.

‎Their celebrations were tempered only by Manchester City’s dramatic comeback at Anfield, which prevented Arsenal from stretching their title advantage even further.

‎Nevertheless, the Gunners still hold a healthy Three-point lead at the summit and ended the weekend nine points clear at the top for the first time since the iconic 2003-04 Invincibles campaign.

‎What once looked like a wobble in January has now given way to renewed confidence.

‎Arsenal have won four consecutive matches across all competitions and have rediscovered defensive solidity, keeping clean sheets against Sunderland, Leeds United, and Chelsea. Another shut-out on Thursday would mark their best defensive run since their remarkable 812-minute streak without conceding earlier in the season.

‎Their London derby away record provides further reason for optimism. Since the start of the 2022-23 campaign, Arsenal have avoided defeat in 19 of their 20 Premier League derbies on the road.

‎That run includes victories in both previous meetings with Brentford this season, winning 3-1 at the Gtech on New Year’s Day 2025 and 2-0 at the Emirates in December.

‎Brentford Riding High After Stunning Away Wins

‎While Arsenal look composed and consistent, Brentford is one of the league’s form sides, particularly on the road.

‎Keith Andrews has overseen remarkable back-to-back away wins at Aston Villa and Newcastle United. First came a disciplined 1-0 victory with ten men at Villa Park, followed by a dramatic 3-2 triumph at St James’ Park, where Igor Thiago scored his 17th goal of the campaign and Dango Ouattara smashed home a late winner.

‎The Bees enter gameweek 26 sitting seventh, only five points behind Manchester United in the race for Champions League football.

‎Yet their home form paints a more complicated picture. Despite their impressive away run of five wins in their last six road fixtures, Brentford have won only two of their last five at the Gtech Community Stadium and have failed to score in two of their previous three games there.

‎They also carry a rather eerie omen into this match. Brentford have only suffered back-to-back Premier League home defeats once since the start of the 2024-25 season.

‎The opponents in that pair? Nottingham Forest and, ironically, Arsenal.

‎Injury Updates and Team News

‎Arsenal face several fitness uncertainties ahead of the derby. Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka both missed the Sunderland matchday squad due to unspecified issues and a hip problem respectively.

‎Arteta has given no clear indication of their availability, maintaining his usual secrecy. Definite absentees include Max Dowman with an ankle injury and Mikel Merino following recent foot surgery.

‎Leandro Trossard is also a doubt after suffering a suspected calf issue last weekend.

‎Gabriel Martinelli is expected to deputise on the left if Trossard is unavailable, while Viktor Gyökeres is almost certain to start after his outstanding form, having become the Premier League’s highest scorer in all competitions since the turn of the year with six goals.

‎For Brentford, Kevin Schade continues his suspension after being sent off at Aston Villa, and Reiss Nelson is ineligible to face his parent club. Jordan Henderson may face competition for his starting spot following an early substitution against Newcastle.

‎The Bees are also without several long-term absentees, including Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo, and former Arsenal academy graduate Josh Dasilva.

‎Igor Thiago remains the key attacking threat, entering the contest with nine goals in his last ten Premier League home matches.

‎Prediction: Brentford 1–2 Arsenal

‎This fixture promises far more than a straightforward top-vs-mid-table clash. Brentford have momentum, belief, and attacking firepower, and they will not simply sit deep against the title favourites.

‎Andrews’s men have shown they can trouble anyone when playing on the front foot, and their recent confidence makes them dangerous opponents.

‎However, Arsenal’s rejuvenated attack, strong away form in London derbies, and superior squad depth give them the edge.

‎Brentford may break the Gunners’ run of clean sheets, but Arteta’s side possesses enough quality to find openings, control key moments, and maintain their lead over Manchester City at least for now.