Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Odegaard among six changes in Arsenal XI to face Brentford

football.london assesses the changes Mikel Arteta could or even should make to the Arsenal XI for their match with Brentford

Arsenal face Brentford on Wednesday evening as they look to respond after a disappointing draw at Chelsea the previous Sunday evening. Should they manage to get a positive result, then Mikel Arteta will have, for the fourth time this season, responded successfully to the dropping of points with a victory.

After the defeat at Liverpool and draws to Manchester City and Sunderland, Arsenal secured wins in every game that followed. The mentality of his squad has been tested regularly, but they continue to showcase their eagerness to win and put draws and defeats in the past.

Brentford have a good record in north London, securing two draws in their last three visits. Only a late Kai Havertz goal in March 2024 prevented a three-match stalemate.

That being said, it remains a game the Gunners should be looking to rotate in. The fixture schedule has presented a nightmare for Arteta, as he must travel to Aston Villa less than 72 hours after the clash with Brentford.

His side’s fatigue was apparent in the draw with the Blues. It seems obvious that some regular starters are in need of a rest.

The benefit is that the Spaniard has plenty of returning players to call upon having recovered from injury. Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli can all start this game and bring both freshness and quality.

Martin Odegaard has since returned and could now start his first game as captain for several weeks. Other lesser-utilised options, such as Ben White, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, could also be called upon.

This will allow for Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber to have a well-earned rest. While they could all come off the bench later in the game, should the scenario call for it.