Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday looking to re-establish momentum after dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend.
They had opportunities to win that game, particularly after Chelsea were reduced to ten men, so the result will have felt like a missed chance rather than a decent away point.
The stalemate reduced their margin of error at the top of the table and left an opening for the chasing pack to close the gap. Manchester City can move within two points before Arsenal kick off, and that scenario heightens the importance of responding quickly and decisively.
Arsenal have been consistent at home this season, and this fixture is one they need to control in order to keep healthy distance between themselves and their rivals.
Brentford arrive in confident mood after a convincing 3-1 win over Burnley that highlighted their attacking threat. They scored three times in the final stages, with Igor Thiago continuing a prolific season.
Their record at the Gtech Community Stadium has helped them maintain a strong league position, and they have the profile of a team that backs themselves in every game.
However, Brentford’s away form has been unconvincing, with a string of defeats on the road that have restricted their progress.
Their attacking structure remains aggressive, and they will not change that approach here, but the defensive vulnerabilities that appear away from home could be difficult to mask.
They have conceded in their last five league matches and have not managed a clean sheet away from home since facing West Ham United.
Arsenal will be aware of those weaknesses but also wary of Brentford’s intensity. The visitors score in bursts, turn matches quickly and press high, and that can disrupt teams who prefer possession and control.
Arsenal need a sharper performance than the one seen at Stamford Bridge, where they struggled to build rhythm and lacked precision in the final third.
This game offers Arsenal a chance to make another statement, protect their lead and reassure themselves that the Chelsea result was an isolated setback rather than the start of a drift.
Brentford are capable of making it uncomfortable and will not settle for a passive performance, especially after a morale-boosting result.
Arsenal are favourites, but they will need to meet the game with energy and focus to avoid inviting unnecessary pressure from those below them.
