Arsenal travel to Brentford in Thursday's sole Premier League clash and we have picked out a three-leg bet builder for the crucial contest.
Arsenal can feel Manchester City breathing down their necks in the Premier League title race and the gap could be reduced to three points by the time the Gunners take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday.
The Bees are having an outstanding season and went level with Liverpool in the race for European football following their 3-2 win over Newcastle at the weekend.
Keith Andrews’ men have been tough to beat at home, losing just two of their 12 games in their own back yard, and that solid record in West London should make this a stern test for Arsenal, who are without the injured Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino.
Selections
Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11
Michael Kayode to be carded @ 14/5
Declan Rice to have a shot on target @ 13/10
Pays at 9/1
Cagey affair likely
Arsenal and Brentford have both had impressive campaigns, with the Gunners aiming for a first Premier League title since 2004 while the Bees are just four points behind Chelsea in fifth, finishing there would equal the best finish in the club’s history, way back in 1936.
Arsenal’s success this season has been built on rock-solid defensive foundations, conceding just 17 times in 25 games, but Brentford have also been solid at the back, particularly at home.
Andrews’ men have conceded just 12 goals in 12 home matches and four of their last five games have gone under 2.5 goals.
Against such a solid defensive unit as the Gunners, expect another low-scoring game in which the pair may well stifle each other.
Leg 1: Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11
Kayode a card candidate
Michael Kayode has had an impressive breakout season for Brentford, with his long-throws from right-back particularly dangerous for the Bees.
However, the Italian does have a habit of flying into tackles, picking up seven yellow cards in 26 starts in all competitions.
Against an Arsenal team who will have the majority of the ball, Kayode could be forced into some rash challenges, especially as he will be up against the likes of Gabriel Martinelli.
Leg 2: Michael Kayode to be carded @ 14/5
Rice fancied for a shot at goal
There have been plenty of standout performances for Arsenal this season but one player in particular has caught the eye, Declan Rice.
The England international has looked worth every penny of the substantial fee it took to secure his services from West Ham, with the midfielder even chipping in with four crucial goals.
Only Saka and Viktor Gyokeres have more shots on target than Rice for the Gunners in the Premier League and with Brentford likely to sit deep at times, there may be plenty of space for the 27-year-old to shoot from distance.
Leg 3: Declan Rice to have a shot on target @ 13/10
