The newly-promoted Bees will host London rivals Arsenal on Friday night as the 2021-22 Premier League season kicks off at the Brentford Community Stadium. While the Gunners prepare for a rare season without European football, Thomas Frank’s men are back in the English Premier League for the first time since 1947. Here’s everything you need to know about Brentford vs Arsenal football prediction, team news, and lineup of the first Premier League match of the 2021 season.
Team news
Brentford
Ahead of their first Premier League match newly elevated Brentford are concerned about Ivan Toney’s injury but the Bees are confident he will be fit to face Arsenal. On the other hand Josh Dasilva is out.
A new signee Kris Ajer made his debut for Brentford in their final pre-season game against Valencia, with Thomas Frank opting for a back three. With Ajer now available for defense, Christian Norgaard could move into midfield.
Frank Oneya scored against Valencia last time out, and on Friday night the new Brentford midfielder will be eager to make his full debut.
At the start of the season, David Raya Martin was linked with Arsenal, but he will now face the Gunners.
Arsenal
Ben White will make his first appearance for Arsenal on Friday night after signing the club for a lot of money.
In the opening match against Brentford, Pablo Mari could partner White if Gabriel is unavailable and Rob Holding is ruled out through injury.
Thomas Partey has an ankle injury and will be out for three weeks.
New signee Albert Sambi Lokonga will hope to start, but Mohamed Elneny is also an option in midfield.
At the beginning of the week, Bukayo Saka returned to Arsenal training, so he may only be on the bench for their first game.
Alexandre Lacazette is free to leave Arsenal this summer, but he could start the team’s first game if Saka is not ready.
Brentford vs Arsenal Prediction
Brentford won the Championship play-offs last season After years of disappointment, to gain promotion to the Premier League for the first time. Their fans missed the entire season, but they will be back in their new stadium for big-time football, with the visit of Arsenal as their first assignment.
Arsenal are, of course, the favorites going into Friday’s Premier League opener, but Brentford will be buzzing, especially in front of their own fans, and it would not be surprising if they came away with something.
With Toney desperate to show that he can perform at the highest level, goals will be scored on the first night, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette desperate to find their shooting boots.
Frank’s men are certainly capable of making their first-ever Premier League encounter one to remember, but we believe the quality of the visitors will shine through during a hard-fought victory.
Lineup
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Jansson, Ajer, Pinnock; Roerslev, Janelt, Onyeka, Norgaard, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Leno; Chambers, White, Mari, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette
Our Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
