Arsenal wrap up the latest midweek slate of Premier League action as they take on Brentford away from home on Thursday night. The Gunners looked on course to end the weekend a handsome nine points clear at the top of the table, but Manchester City’s late show at Anfield, followed by their midweek victory over Fulham, has once again enlivened the title race. Still, Mikel Arteta’s side remain the heavy favorites to win the Premier League for the first time since their ’Invincibles’ campaign of 2003–04.
Crucially, Arsenal responded to their 3–2 defeat to Manchester United—which threatened to evolve a blip into a malaise—by convincingly beating Leeds United and Sunderland. However, this has the makings of a tricky game for the league leaders, with Brentford massively exceeding expectations under Thomas Frank’s former set-piece coach, Keith Andrews. The Bees have once again been tough to beat on home soil, and their recent form includes an impressive 3-2 victory away at Newcastle United.
Brentford Team News and Predicted Lineup
Brentford continue to fly high against the odds and are well in contention to play in Europe for the very first time next season. Before Gameweek 26, Andrews’s side were seventh and merely four points adrift of Chelsea in fifth. However, they will have to navigate this clash without several key figures.
The injury-riddled Reiss Nelson is ineligible to face his parent club, while Brentford are also without the suspended Kevin Schade. The German international serves the second game of his suspension on Thursday night after being dismissed during their 1–0 win at Aston Villa. Dango Ouattara, who has scored in back-to-back games, is expected to step up in his absence. Josh Dasilva and Fábio Carvalho also remain out with long-term injuries.
- Brentford Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Van den Berg, Henry; Janelt, Henderson; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter; Thiago.
Arsenal Team News and Predicted Lineup
Arsenal are likely to be without Bukayo Saka again due to the hip injury he sustained ahead of the 4–0 victory over Leeds United. Noni Madueke has filled in down the right since and is expected to keep his place. Martin Ødegaard has also missed the previous three games with a muscle injury; while he has a better chance of recovering than Saka, he is unlikely to start.
Adding to Arteta’s concerns, Kai Havertz has been ruled out with a fresh muscular issue, and Leandro Trossard is a doubt after being forced off against Sunderland. Mikel Merino remains out following foot surgery, while teenage starlet Max Dowman is also sidelined.
- Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Rice, Zubimendi; Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli; Gyökeres.
Match Details and Score Prediction
- Location: London, England
- Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET
- Referee: John Brooks
Arsenal eased to a routine victory in the reverse fixture in December, but Thursday’s game is bound to be a bitty, stodgy affair. Brentford are capable of making this bout an ugly one, and the league leaders will have to dig deep to secure a third league win in succession.
Prediction: Brentford 2–3 Arsenal
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