football.london assesses the changes Mikel Arteta could or even should make to the Arsenal XI for their match with Brentford
06:00, 02 Dec 2025
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal interacts with his teammate Martin Odegaard during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal
View Image
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal interacts with his teammate Martin Odegaard during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal face Brentford on Wednesday evening as they look to respond after a disappointing draw at Chelsea the previous Sunday evening. Should they manage to get a positive result, then Mikel Arteta will have, for the fourth time this season, responded successfully to the dropping of points with a victory.
After the defeat at Liverpool and draws to Manchester City and Sunderland, Arsenal secured wins in every game that followed. The mentality of his squad has been tested regularly, but they continue to showcase their eagerness to win and put draws and defeats in the past.
Brentford have a good record in north London, securing two draws in their last three visits. Only a late Kai Havertz goal in March 2024 prevented a three-match stalemate.
That being said, it remains a game the Gunners should be looking to rotate in. The fixture schedule has presented a nightmare for Arteta, as he must travel to Aston Villa less than 72 hours after the clash with Brentford.
His side’s fatigue was apparent in the draw with the Blues. It seems obvious that some regular starters are in need of a rest.
The benefit is that the Spaniard has plenty of returning players to call upon having recovered from injury. Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli can all start this game and bring both freshness and quality.
Martin Odegaard has since returned and could now start his first game as captain for several weeks. Other lesser-utilised options, such as Ben White, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, could also be called upon.
This will allow for Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber to have a well-earned rest. While they could all come off the bench later in the game, should the scenario call for it.
Article continues below
Changed Arsenal XI vs Brentford: Raya; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Nwaneri, Odegaard; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts