Chris Sutton predicts Arsenal to labour to 1-0 win against Brentford
Arsenal return to Premier League action after the November international break with a trip to Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford, and Chris Sutton sees them struggling against the Bees.
The Gunners have only lost once in the league this term, with three draws and eight victories to their name.
Brentford have won four, lost four and drawn four so far, but Sutton expects them to challenge Arsenal.
However, the BBC pundit reckons the Gunners will clinch a 1-0 victory, tipping them for a hard-fought win in his prediction column.
“On the face of it, Brentford got walloped 3-0 at Liverpool last time out but look past the scoreline and they were competitive for long periods of that game,” Sutton said.
“So, this is going to be far from easy for Arsenal. They won here at the start of last season, but the Bees’ home form is very strong and we know how well-balanced they are, and how awkward they are to play against.
“As I’ve said, Manchester City and Liverpool are my top two this season but I don’t think Arsenal will be too far behind in third and, if they want to push for the title again, they know they need to win games like this one.”
The Bees have lost just one of the six league games they have played at home this term, winning two and drawing the other three, so Mikel Arteta’s side are likely to find things tricky against their fellow London rivals.
They have been handed triple injury boosts ahead of the derby, with Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Ben White all available for the game.
Aaron Ramsdale will also be in goal as David Raya is unavailable to face his parent club due to Premier League regulations.
The England international goalkeeper has plenty to prove having not played a league game since September 3.
Ramsdale has played just twice – in the Carabao Cup – since then, and he will be desperate to seize his chance on Saturday.
Having such a goalie desperate to reclaim his lost starting berth is a plus for Arsenal, and anything apart from three points tomorrow will be disappointing.
They are trying to close the gap on leaders Man City, and dropping points against teams they are favourites against is the last thing they need right now.
