Mikel Arteta’s side are riding high after a stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid, while Brentford’s last outing was a much more subdued goalless draw against their West London neighbours Chelsea.
In a jaw-dropping 12-minute spell, Declan Rice curled in not one, but two spectacular free-kicks—more than Kylian Mbappe has scored in his entire senior career from similar range. Those goals ended a three-year wait for an Arsenal direct free-kick goal and made Rice the first player to score two in a Champions League knockout game. Then, makeshift striker Mikel Merino put the icing on the cake with a third to send the Emirates into a frenzy.
Truth be told, if it weren’t for some heroic saves from Thibaut Courtois, the Gunners could have embarrassed the 15-time European champions even more—something even Jude Bellingham admitted post-match. But Arsenal know all too well that a return leg at the Bernabeu is never just a formality.
Before they worry about Madrid's potential comeback, though, Arsenal will look to keep their slim hopes of a Premier League-Champions League double alive. They made up some ground on Liverpool last weekend after drawing 1-1 with Everton—just before Liverpool were stunned 3-2 by Fulham.
Still, with seven games left and an 11-point gap to make up, the league title seems a long shot. Arteta’s lineup at Goodison Park hinted as much. The good news? Their Champions League spot is looking secure, with a comfortable 10-point cushion over sixth-placed Manchester City.
As for Brentford, Saturday’s clash likely won’t change much for them or for most Arsenal fans who accepted a “what could have been” season weeks ago. The Bees sit in mid-table, not quite in the race for Europe but clear of relegation worries.
Inconsistency has held Brentford back this season. Their draw with Chelsea last weekend showed their grit—goalkeeper Mark Flekken pulled off some big saves but they also missed a golden opportunity to win it when Sepp van den Berg misfired a close-range header. That result means Brentford are now nine games without a win at home.
They also recently saw a solid away run end at Newcastle on April 2, and currently sit 12th in the table—three points off the top 10, but nine behind Aston Villa in seventh.
History isn’t on Brentford’s side here either. They haven’t won at Arsenal since 1938. The Gunners’ 3-1 win at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day made it seven unbeaten against Thomas Frank’s side, who last beat Arsenal during their unforgettable Premier League debut in August 2021.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 win over Real Madrid didn’t come without a few bumps and bruises. Free-kick star Declan Rice and the lively Bukayo Saka—who won both set-pieces and was making his first start of 2025—were both taken off late in the game after picking up minor knocks.
Thankfully, neither injury is believed to be serious, and both players are expected to be available for the all-important second leg at the Bernabeu. Still, with that match looming, Mikel Arteta may decide to give them a breather this weekend. That could open the door for Ethan Nwaneri and Jorginho to get some valuable minutes.
There’s also a good chance we’ll see Ben White, Leandro Trossard, Kieran Tierney, and Raheem Sterling—who’s back in contention after serving a European suspension—feature from the start. However, Arsenal will still be without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhães, both nursing hamstring injuries, along with Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Jesus, all sidelined with knee problems.
On the Brentford side, Thomas Frank had some positive news last week, with Rico Henry returning to the squad for the Chelsea game after a lengthy layoff with a hamstring injury. His comeback reduces Brentford’s injury list to five.
Fabio Carvalho (shoulder), Igor Thiago (knee), and former Arsenal man Josh Dasilva (knee) remain out, but there’s optimism around Gustavo Nunes and Aaron Hickey, who are both edging closer to full fitness and could be in line for a return soon.
With no new injuries from the Chelsea draw, Brentford are expected to keep most of the same lineup this weekend. The only likely change is in midfield, where Yehor Yarmoliuk could make way for the more defensively solid Vitaly Janelt.
POSSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney; Odegaard, Jorginho, Merino; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-1 Brentford
