Arsenal return to Premier League action on Thursday night with a visit to Brentford, aiming to widen the gap at the top after Manchester City closed in on the title race.
City’s 3-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday reduced the deficit to three points, although Pep Guardiola’s side have played a game more.
Arsenal, who have completed 25 matches, can move six points clear with victory at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Kick-off is set for 11:00 PM EAT, with John Brooks appointed as referee.
Mikel Arteta’s men arrive in strong form. They have registered four consecutive wins across all competitions, including league triumphs over Leeds and Sunderland where they scored seven goals and kept two clean sheets.
Arsenal are also unbeaten in their last eight away fixtures and have dominated recent meetings against Brentford, winning four of the last five encounters, with one draw in that sequence.
Brentford sit seventh on 39 points, 17 behind the leaders. The hosts have built momentum in recent weeks, claiming six victories from nine matches.
Back-to-back away successes against Aston Villa and Newcastle United have strengthened their European push, with Dango Ouattara netting the decisive goal in the 3-2 result at Newcastle.
Their league run stands at WWLLW.
Arsenal’s recent form reads WWWWL as they continue their pursuit of a first league title since 2004.
Squad availability remains a factor for both teams. Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz due to a muscular injury that will sideline him for several weeks.
Mikel Merino and Max Dowman are also unavailable, while Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Martin Ødegaard are fitness concerns.
Brentford are missing Kevin Schade through suspension following his dismissal against Aston Villa. Reiss Nelson cannot feature against his parent club, and long-term absentees Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo and Josh Dasilva remain sidelined.
Steven Meredith and Sian Massey-Ellis will assist Brooks, with John Busby named fourth official.
Stuart Attwell and Constantine Hatzidakis will oversee VAR operations.
The outcome in west London could prove significant in shaping the title race as Arsenal look to respond immediately to Manchester City’s midweek result
