Brentford vs Arsenal tips: Bees buzzing with confidence, Ivan Toney to be a handful
- Seb Sternik
- 16 September 2022
Premier League leaders Arsenal will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel across the capital for a derby clash with Brentford. Check out our key stats and suggested bets for the game.
The Gunners kicked off the new season in emphatic style after winning their opening five games.
Mikel Arteta's men were eventually halted by a resurgent Manchester United side who put the Gunners to the sword in a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
Arsenal have since responded by winning their Europa League opener against FC Zurich, though they haven't been in action since that encounter on September 8.
Match postponements in recent weeks came at a bad time for a number of in-form clubs, with Brentford undoubtedly on that list.
The Bees head into Sunday's encounter boasting a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
What's more, their last outing saw them terrorise Leeds United's defence in a 5-2 victory in London.
Brentford have been one of the surprise packages of the season after picking up nine points from their opening six games and enjoying an unforgettable 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United.
While there may not be a natural rivalry between Arsenal and Brentford, the Gunners will certainly remember their last away game against the Bees.
On that occasion, Arteta's men were comfortably beaten 2-0 on the opening day of the previous season - a campaign which would ultimately end in disappointment for the Spaniard and his side.
Arsenal have invested heavily since that day, though that doesn't mean we should underestimate Brentford.
In contrast, the Bees have only lost one of their last eight competitive games at home. What's more, Thomas Frank's men have scored 10 goals in their last three matches at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Arsenal, due to their formidable start, remain favourites for Sunday's game - meaning you will get a good price if you're willing to challenge the bookmarkers.
The Gunners are without Emile Smith-Rowe and new signing Oleksandr Zinchenko, while influential midfielder Thomas Partey remains a major doubt.
With that in mind, if there was ever a time to go against the Premier League leaders, it's now.
Key stats
- Brentford have won five of their last six home games vs Arsenal
- Brentford won 17 of last 22 home London derbies
- Arsenal have picked up 15 of an available 18 points this season
- Arsenal have scored in both halves in five of last seven matches
- Brentford's Ivan Toney is the joint-third top PL goalscorer with 5
Suggested bets
- Ivan Toney to score anytime
- F/T Result - Brentford to win
- Draw no bet - Brentford
- Both teams to score - Yes
- Winning margin - one goal
