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Tomiyasu returns: My Arsenal line-up vs Brentford

By on February 18, 2022

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Arsenal can close in on the top four with a win over Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon. This is the line-up I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

Aaron Ramsdale kept another clean sheet during the win at Wolves last time out and obviously he’ll keep his place in goal. Bernd Leno returns from covid but he’ll be on the bench.

Arsenal have been handed a huge boost as Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned to full training. The Japan international has been nursing a niggling calf injury and although Arteta suggests the defender isn’t fully over the issue, he’s still available tomorrow so should star at right-back. Cedric Soares actually played well at Wolves but Tomi is a big upgrade.

Otherwise, we should see the usual back four with Ben White once again starting alongside Gabriel. The pair were superb against Wolves and are developing a real partnership at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. Kieran Tierney should continue at left-back ahead of Nuno Tavares.

No Martinelli

gabriel martinelli 2019

I don’t see any need to change things in midfield so Granit Xhaka should start alongside Thomas Partey. As much as I think we need an upgrade on Xhaka, he still warrants a place in the side ahead of Albert Sambi Lokonga right now.

Martin Odegaard will keep his place in the attacking midfield role and hopefully he continues his fine recent form. Bukayo Saka should continue on the right flank and Arteta will be looking to the youngster to tear Brentford’s defence apart tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Gabriel Martinelli will miss the game after his controversial sending off during Arsenal’s win at Wolves. It means Emile Smith Rowe is set for a recall on the left side of attack.

Alexandre Lacazette will continue to lead the line up front in the absence of a top class striker. Eddie Nketiah and Nicolas Pepe will be attacking options from the bench for Arsenal.

Here is the side I hope we see:

football formations