13th August, 2021
The 2021-22 Premier League season will begin today at the Brentford Community Stadium where newly-promoted Bees play host to London rivals Arsenal.
Brentford, coached by Thomas Frank, are plying their trade in the English top-flight for the first time since 1947.
Meanwhile, Arsenal prepare for a rare campaign without European football.
Team News
Star striker Toney- who fired Brentford to promotion with 33 league goals last term remains at the club despite several interests from top-flight outfits- is expected to be fit to start today’s game.
Goalkeeper David Raya – previously linked with Arsenal – will be barking orders from the penalty box, and the three-man defence in front of him could comprise Pontus Jansson, Ethan Pinnock and new signing Kristoffer Ajer.
Former Arsenal youngster Josh Dasilva will not get the chance to face his old club due to a hip problem, but the hosts are otherwise well-stocked for this momentous occasion.
Meanwhile, Arteta has been dealt another blow with injury-hit midfielder Thomas Partey, who is set to miss the rest of the month with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season action against Chelsea.
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes remains out with the knee problem that forced him to withdraw from the Olympics, while Rob Holding is short of fitness, so Pablo Mari and new arrival Ben White should line up in the back four.
Eddie Nketiah is also sidelined with an ankle issue but was never going to challenge for a start-up top, while Albert Sambi Lokonga will hope to edge out Mohamed Elneny for a start in midfield.
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Jansson, Ajer, Pinnock; Roerslev, Janelt, Onyeka, Norgaard, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Leno; Chambers, White, Mari, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette.
Fact: The last time Arsenal visited Brentford in league action was May 1947. The game ended 1-0 in favour of the Gunners.