Arsenal's focus turns to the Carabao Cup this midweek as they kick off their campaign with a challenging fixture against Brentford.
While Arsenal had a comfortable outing in West London last season, the Bees have proven to be a formidable opponent for the 'Big Six' since entering the Premier League in 2020.
The Carabao Cup hasn't been a source of great success for Arsenal, having won it just twice, with only one final appearance in the last 12 editions. In last year’s third round, Mikel Arteta's team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brighton at the Emirates.
Considering the somewhat gloomy atmosphere surrounding the club after their disappointing derby performance, Wednesday's match takes on added significance in terms of lifting morale. It was just last week that fans were celebrating a resounding victory in Arsenal's return to Champions League action.
Football is an unpredictable game, and Arteta would greatly benefit from a cup win against Brentford, especially with a challenging trip to Bournemouth on the horizon this Saturday.
Brentford Team News
The hosts have faced a couple of injury setbacks in recent weeks, with star wing-back Rico Henry ruled out for the rest of the season. Kevin Schade is also expected to be sidelined after picking up an injury before Saturday's defeat to Everton.
Thomas Frank still has to contend with the suspension of Ivan Toney, along with injuries to Shandon Baptiste, Ben Mee, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Josh Dasilva, all of whom are unavailable for Wednesday's match.
Arsenal Team News
Declan Rice added to an already extensive injury list over the weekend when back discomfort forced him to be substituted at halftime during Sunday's derby. While Rice isn't expected to be out for long, he will miss Wednesday's cup tie.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are hopeful of returning this weekend, but Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined.
Bukayo Saka is likely to be rested, with Arteta offering opportunities to some of his fringe players and promising academy talents.
Predicted Lineup for Arsenal: Ramsdale; Cedric, Saliba, Kiwior, Tomiyasu; Jorginho, Vieira, Havertz; Nelson, Jesus, Smith Rowe.
Match Prediction
Arsenal's fringe players have struggled when given the chance to shine recently, and they will face a resolute and disciplined Brentford side on Wednesday.
This match may not produce a cup classic, with the outcome likely to be decided by narrow margins. However, considering Brentford's absence of several key players and Arsenal's eagerness to return to the win column, it's anticipated that the Gunners will provide the decisive moment in the attacking third.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2Arsenal
No comments:
Post a Comment