Game Week 26 Predictions: Arsenal must beat Brentford to avoid panic attacks

Premier League preview: Brentford vs Arsenal at G-Tech – Gunners chase 6-pt lead restoration post-City win, Bees Europe push, Havertz out, Arsenal win

Arsenal's title charge will face a huge test on Thursday when they face Brentford across town. Can the Gunners rise to the occasion? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Brentford vs. Arsenal

G-Tech Community Stadium

9:00pm

This game means so much for the title race. With Manchester City doing their business diligently at the Etihad on Wednesday night, Arsenal must respond on Thursday.

Brentford is in a good place. The Bees beat Aston Villa with a Django Outtarra strike in game week 24 and then followed up with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Newcastle at St. James's Park. This will be a huge test for the Gunners.

Arsenal's six-point advantage was cut to three after Manchester City destroyed Fulham at the Etihad. Only a win will restore Arsenal's advantage; should the Gunners fail to win, the pressure mounts, with a game against City still to come.

Brentford could move above Liverpool on the log despite the champions' huge win at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday. The 1-0 win has moved Liverpool back to sixth on the log, behind Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for fourth.

How good have the Bees been this season? So many bookmakers had them as favorites to go down this season with the exodus of their goal scorers and their manager in the summer; Keith Andrews came in, stabilized the squad, and now, they're contending for Europe.

Arsenal announced on Wednesday that Kai Havertz has injured his muscles and will be out for one month. The news is a bad one, considering the fact that Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Martin Odegaard are all unavailable.

The Gunners will face Wigan in the cup game this weekend before resting for a whole week ahead of their North London Derby. This game is important to settle nerves; Mikel Arteta must find creative ways to navigate this fixture.

Brentford will be dangerous on set pieces. Kayode's long throws and Damsgaard's crosses will test the Gunners' back line, but the Bees must also be wary of Arsenal on the break and on set pieces.

Igor Thiago will be immense; he is the second-highest goal scorer in the league. While the Arsenal defense is typically solid, a trip to the G-Tech will always be a tricky one. The fans will remember their first game back in the top flight; it was a memorable 2-0 win over the Gunners.

Arsenal will rely on the strength of Declan Rice and the newfound form of Victor Gyokeres. The surprise element of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will count for something. Arsenal must stand to be counted at a difficult ground.

Verdict: Arsenal to win