Saka and Rice rested, Ben White starts and Sterling returns - Arsenal predicted XI vs Brentford
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are both expected to be rested for Arsenal in their Premier League match against Brentford
Mikel Arteta will surely be looking ahead to Arsenal’s monumental clash with Real Madrid when deciding who should start against Brentford this weekend. Had the gap to Liverpool been closer than 11 points then perhaps the Gunners boss might have been tempted to go strong.
However, the reality is very different to that and as a result, the Spaniard will be keen to rest. Just how many will be rested is the question but perhaps looking at the trip to Everton we can glean some idea as to what to expect.
There were some concerns over Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice in midweek and even despite Arteta dismissing those in his pre-match press conference, it might not be surprising to see the pair given a break before Wednesday. With that in mind, football.london predicts who they believe will start on Saturday evening.
David Raya
Produced a fine save against arguably the world’s most famous forward in Europe’s top five leagues; and if David Raya can do such a thing against Kylian Mbappe, he will use that as fuel for the threat of Bryan Mbeumo this weekend.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)1 of 11Ben White
Having Ben White back in the squad and able to play plenty of minutes now is such a blessing. Having started at Everton, he can afford to come in again for the brilliant Jurrien Timber and offer the Gunners threat and security down the right.
(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)2 of 11William Saliba
With such a lack of available depth in the centre of defence, unfortunately, despite perhaps wanting to rest William Saliba, he will have to play again. Thankfully, it is one of the least stamina-demanding roles, and the hope will be he can come through well and maybe come off later.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)3 of 11Jakub Kiwior
![Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior looks set for a spell in the team following Gabriel's injury (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)]()
Even without Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior has not yet conceded a goal from open play in his last two starts. In fact, a great stat went around that the Gunners have not lost when Saliba and Kiwior start together – let’s hope that continues.
4 of 11Kieran Tierney
![Kieran Tierney will leave Arsenal in the summer (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)]()
The cult hero, always worthy of a big cheer whenever he comes off the bench. He is playing plenty more than perhaps anyone thought, be it at left-back or even left-wing; but he always has something positive to contribute.
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