Madueke starts, Odegaard joins Eze in midfield, Gyokeres decision – Arsenal line-ups vs Brentford

Mikel Arteta has some tough decisions to make regarding his Arsenal line-up for the clash against Brentford – as football.london’s writers have their say on who should start at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal take on Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League looking to recover their form following a draw at Chelsea. The Gunners have not lost in 17 games and have won all bar one of their home matches this season.

Mikel Arteta has several choices to make; however, knowing the festive schedule is already starting in an unforgiving way with a lunchtime trip on Saturday to Aston Villa following this match. In which case, rotation might be the word of the week.

Below, football.london’s writers have their say on the side that Arteta should name to face Brentford.

Tom Canton

I would try to rest the key players in the squad as much as possible before the trip to Aston Villa, less than 72 hours later, if I could. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber for the most vitally in need of a rest.

What makes this easier is to have players as good as Ben White, Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard who can come into the team. The midfield pairing of Eberechi Eze and Odegaard is something we have seen before, but not with Zubimendi at the foundation, who came off earlier in the second half against Chelsea.

I think Riccardo Calafiori should still start with the long throw of Brentford, making me concerned about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s capacity to defend them. That said, the yellow card suspension worry is something I am rather concerned about and he needs to be careful.

Viktor Gyokeres coming back into the line-up… his season starts now! It is time for him to hit the ground running and build up some form!

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Brentford – Raya; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Eze, Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Ryan Taylor

This could be the perfect chance for Mikel Arteta to shuffle his pack.

But make no mistake, Brentford are no rollovers, and this will not be a straightforward evening’s work.

David Raya should start in goal, and then perhaps Jurrien Timber can finally get some rest, with Ben White coming in for the Dutchman.

Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera will keep their place at centre-back, and Riccardo Calafiori should start at right-back, given he was rested against Bayern Munich.

In midfield, no need for wholesale changes, but maybe it’s time for a small refresh with captain Martin Odegaard coming in to partner Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice.

Then on the right, Bukayo Saka starts, Noni Madueke features from the left with Viktor Gyokeres back through the middle – providing he’s ready to play.

Taylor’s Arsenal XI vs Brentford: Raya; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Madueke, Gyokeres.