Brentford away...

On New Years Day 2025, David Raya is expected to make his first start against his former club, Brentford. Due to loan rules, Raya wasn't able to play against his then parent club last season - with Arsenal winning 1-0 at the Gtech thanks to a very late Kai Havertz goal. It also took a very late Havertz winner at the Emirates in the reverse fixture after an Aaron Ramsdale blooper gifted the Bees an equaliser to a Declan Rice opener.

While quite a number of players have made the move between these clubs, it is more common for the players to go in the opposite direction. Current Brentford midfielder Josh da Silva came through the Arsenal academy, but it sadly injured.

Nico Yennaris made 4 appearances for Arsenal, but enjoyed a successful spell at Brentford following his permanent departure. He helped them get promoted into the Championship in his first few months and then became an increasingly important player in their Championship years before heading off to China and becoming Li Ke and a Chinese international.

Wojciech Szczesny had a great loan spell at Griffin Park, wherein the then teenager impressed enough to be name the Brentford 'keeper of the decade. He then returned to Arsenal and became the #1 in somewhat of a turbulent spell as our first choice with as many highs as lows.

Chuba Akpom also had a loan spell with Brentford, although far shorter at just a month.

With his career blighted by injury, Arsenal legend Paul Davis headed briefly to Norway before moving to Brentford. However, his stay was very short and he retired with 5 league appearances for the Bees.


Since their return to top flight football, Brentford have beaten us just once. The first game of their first season in the PL saw a home 2-0 win over us. Since then it has been 4 Arsenal wins and a very controversial draw.
They go into the game with a lot of injury doubts, although Flekken, Mee and Norgaard are expected to be available despite going off hurt on Friday night.
Brentford are 12th on 24 points, but can overtake Brighton in 10th with a win. They have scored an impressive 32 goals - but have conceded 32 too. Bryan Mbeumo has been the main threat with 10 goals and 2 assists, and Yoann Wissa not far behind with 9 goals and 1 assist.
The full back areas are of most concern for them, with Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey long term absentees and the likes of van den Berg and Ajer who have covered also out. Ethan Pinnock is another defensive miss and the man signed to replace Toney, Igor Thiago also out.


A win for Arsenal is, of course, vital if we want to keep our title hopes alive. The continued attempts to replace Saka will be key to our progress. Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber need to avoid a yellow to reach the cut-off point for the 5 card suspension. There seems to be no new absentees from training, with the welcome return of Calafiori boosting our numbers in recent games.

Let's hope we can get 2025 off to the perfect start as we attempt to chase down Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.