The alternative line up to win at Brentford if the returning players do not make it

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal return to action with a short trip across London to the G-Tech Community Stadium, where they face Brentford.  

Having watched Manchester City ruthlessly dispatch Fulham 3-0 on Wednesday night, the Gunners head into this clash highly motivated to secure all three points. 

For Mikel Arteta and his side, nothing less than victory will do as they look to re-establish their six-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table.  

History favours Arsenal in this fixture. In the last five meetings, the league leaders have claimed four wins and drawn the other, a record they will be eager to extend with another convincing performance tonight.  

However, Arteta must do so without some of his key players. Mikel Merino remains sidelined, Kai Havertz is out with a muscular issue. 

In addition Leandro Trossard is nursing a cramp and Bukayo Saka remains a doubt. The possible return of Martin Ødegaard, though, may offer a significant boost.

However if the above players are only ready to be on the bench then I will expect Arteta to still field a formidable line-up and he could do it if he goes with:  

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze

Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli  

On paper, this XI should have enough to deal with the Bees, who have been quietly impressive under Keith Andrews.  

However if the returning players are ready to start then the starting line up will be fantastic:

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard 

Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard 

Seventh in the table, Brentford have defied expectations. Many anticipated they would struggle following the departures of manager Thomas Frank and key players Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.

Yet, Andrews, once the club’s set-piece coach, has inspired a resurgence. With Igor Thiago leading the line, Brentford have rediscovered their bite, recently stunning fellow title contenders Aston Villa.  

That result serves as a timely warning: Arsenal must bring their A-game to avoid any slip-ups that could embolden City in the title race.