Brentford test awaits Arsenal after Madrid masterclass | OneFootball

Fresh from their European triumph, Arsenal host Brentford at the Emirates, aiming to keep hold of second place as rotation looms.

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Arsenal are set to host Brentford at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 PM BST.

This Premier League encounter follows the Gunners’ emphatic 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg earlier this week. Brentford, currently positioned 12th in the league, recently secured a goalless draw against Chelsea.​

Match Details:

Team news:

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may consider squad rotation ahead of the Champions League second leg in Madrid.

Key players such as Bukayo Saka, who recently returned from injury, and Declan Rice, instrumental in the Real Madrid match, might be rested.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

This could provide opportunities for Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling, and Jorginho to feature from the start.​

The Gunners will be without Gabriel (hamstring), Kai Havertz (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), all four of whom are out for the season.

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Riccardo Calafiori, out with a knee problem picked up on international duty, is also unlikely to feature but could be back next weekend, if he isn’t back in the squad for the second leg against Real Madrid.

Brentford’s head coach Thomas Frank reported no new injury concerns.

Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, and Gustavo Nunes are progressing in their recoveries, with Nunes closest to returning.

Rico Henry and Mathias Jensen have rejoined the squad, while Josh Dasilva (knee) and Fábio Carvalho (shoulder) remain sidelined.​

Historical context:

Arsenal have a strong home record against Brentford, with seven wins, one loss, and one draw in their last nine encounters.

Their sole defeat in their own backyard was a 2-0 loss in April 1938.

Notably, Arsenal have been drawing at half-time but won at full-time in their last three matches against Brentford.

Current form:

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight games since the 1-0 defeat by West Ham, winning two and drawing three in the league.

Brentford have secured just one win in their last five fixture, recently suffering an away defeat to Newcastle United before a goalless draw with Chelsea at home.​