Prediction
Arsenal 4-0 Brentford
It's that long ball that scare me. With Toney in the team, they don't need to play through our press. They just have to bypass it with those long balls to Toney. Plus the knock down to Mbeumo. That's their biggest weapon.
Good job Mbeumo is ruled out then.
He's back in training, don't think he'll start tho.
Not sure about that if Jorginho is starting to be fit from the niggles. It's good to keep the winning team starting, and keep the momentum.
You can substitute Partey in early like at 65 minutes in the last game.
Newcastle game was 24.2.2024, Sheffield was 4.3.2024 and Brentford will be 9.3.2024. If he plays 45-65 minutes in those last two games, I think he can easily start the Porto game on 12.3.2024.
But your suggestion isn't that bad either, will be interesting.
This has 0-0 written all over it.
Will probably see Rice in a slightly more advanced role again to be honest, as has been the trend. Feel that will be harnessed at City, Sp**s and United, potentially other games depending how things pan out.It's another must win isn't it, but that's true for all the contenders atm. Toney getting in behind is the thing to watch and they'll probably throw a blanket over the box so we might need a set piece or a penalty. They have powerful runners so I'd like Rice to have a bit of support to help at both ends.
I hope Teta rests Jorginho because we need him vs Porto, will be fine to see Havertz drop back into midfield and Trossard slot back in at false 9.
Partey should not be risked to start yet, and won't.Maybe Partey or Elneny should start
Partey should not be risked to start yet, and won't.
Hard to see Arteta risking the momentum by starting Elneny, if Jorginho is otherwise fit. Or he starts Havertz in midfield.
For me it's much more important to get a good lead in the first half, and then coast the match more later. That way you can rest best players later in the match, and overall the players can rest more if you take an early lead.
The Porto game comes fast, so Arsenal should go strong and score a couple goals like they have had great first halves in recent times.
Yeah, that's why I would start Jorginho and try to get a good lead. You can substitute Partey or Elneny in if you lead by at least two goals.Thing is, we rarely play the same way when Rice is the pivot. It's obvious tye team benefits more from a double pivot set-up. Brentford are a decent team.
Brentford isn't exactly flying, like Newcastle wasn't, and both have injuries also. Similar level away teams. With Arsenal's form I'm not very worried.Think this should be a tougher match than we have had in the past few, specially with the CL on the horizon.