Brentford vs Arsenal, Premier League 2024-25: Arsenal begin 2025 with a challenging London derby against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday, January 1.
After an uninspired 1-0 win over Ipswich Town, Mikel Arteta’s men remain nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, intensifying the pressure to deliver in every game to sustain their title hopes.

The Gunners, now third in the table after Nottingham Forest’s victory over Everton, must navigate a demanding away fixture against a resilient Brentford side. While Arsenal boast an 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions, their performances have lacked the attacking sharpness needed to dominate opponents consistently.
Brentford, currently 12th in the Premier League, are enduring a difficult spell, with no wins in their last four outings. Despite their struggles, the Bees have been one of the league’s toughest teams to beat at home, with their only defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium this season coming at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
Thomas Frank’s side has managed to stay competitive despite several injuries and the absence of talismanic striker Ivan Toney. They rank among the highest-scoring home teams this season, relying on their collective effort and tactical discipline to challenge stronger opposition.
With both teams battling injuries and looking for crucial points, this London derby promises to be a test of resilience and strategy. Brentford’s ability to frustrate top teams at home will be up against Arsenal’s need to stay in the title race, making this a pivotal clash to start the new year.
Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Time:
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London
Referee: Peter Bankes
Broadcast:
The Gunners are on an 11-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, but their recent performances have been workmanlike rather than dominant. Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 1-0 in their last outing, showcasing defensive solidity but lacking attacking flair. Mikel Arteta will demand a sharper display, especially with key players like Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling unavailable.
Brentford’s home form has been their strength, but injuries have left Thomas Frank’s squad stretched. Currently 12th in the table, the Bees must rediscover their attacking rhythm. Their defence, led by Pontus Jansson and Ethan Pinnock, will need to be disciplined to keep Arsenal at bay.
Out: Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Raheem Sterling (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Ben White (knee)
Doubtful: None
Out: Ben Mee (muscle), Rico Henry (knee), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Josh Dasilva (knee), Kristoffer Ajer (ankle), Ethan Pinnock (thigh)
Doubtful: Mark Flekken (fitness test), Mathias Jensen (hamstring), Sepp van den Berg (groin)
Brentford:
Hakon Valdimarsson; Mads Roerslev, Nathan Collins, Ji-soo, Keane Lewis-Potter; Christian Nørgaard, Vitaly Janelt, Mikkel Damsgaard; Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Kevin Schade
Arsenal:
David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori; Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino; Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League encounters against Brentford.
Brentford last defeated Arsenal in 2021 during their Premier League debut season.
Arsenal's recent form and superior squad depth make them favourites, but Brentford’s home advantage and physicality could make it a tight contest. Expect Arsenal to edge it with a 2-1 victory, thanks to their attacking quality in key moments.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford