This article is part of our Game Previews series.
Brentford vs Arsenal Betting Preview, Prediction & Odds (GW26)
Brentford and Arsenal meet Thursday at Gtech Community Stadium in a pivotal Premier League clash as Gameweek 26 features a matchup with Premier League title and Champions League implications.
Brentford Head Coach Keith Andrews continues to push the Bees towards European qualification as they sit in seventh place on 39 points, four points off the pace of fifth place Chelsea. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will look to conclude the slate of midweek fixtures by maintaining the six-point advantage over Manchester City in Arsenal's quest for their first Premier League title in over 21 years.
This preview covers predicted lineups, injury news, head-to-head history, betting odds and a score prediction for Thursday's Brentford vs Arsenal match.
Premier League Player News & Updates
When & Where to Watch (USA/UK)
Thursday, February 12 at 3:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. local
US schedule (English)
- TV Channel: USA Network
- Live Stream: Peacock
US schedule (Spanish)
- TV Channel: Universo or Telemundo
UK schedule
- TV Channel: TNT Sports 1 or TNT Sports Ultimate
- Live Stream: Discovery+
Brentford vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Record
Brentford and Arsenal have met 23 times, dating back to 1902 when the sides played to a 1-1 draw in an FA Cup Qualifying Round matchup.
Arsenal hold the edge in the all-time series, winning 11 times and drawing on six occasions.
More recently, in their nine Premier League matchups since 2021, Arsenal have won six, drawn twice and lost once.
Fixture Trivia
Question: What Brentford goalkeeper secured a clean sheet in the Bees' lone Premier League victory over Arsenal?
Gameweek 25 Trivia: In Manchester City's largest margin of victory over Liverpool in the Premier League Era, which two players scored a brace?
Betting Odds and Predictions for Brentford vs Arsenal
Arsenal enter as road favorites, with moneyline prices reflecting the perceived edge the Gunners hold over the Bees.
Premier League Odds Comparisons
Moneyline Odds
DraftKings: BRE +390 Draw +295, ARS -140
FanDuel: BRE +390 Draw +290, ARS -160
BetMGM: BRE +380 Draw +280, ARS -145
Bet365: BRE +375 Draw +290, ARS -143
Visit RotoWire all season for exclusive sports betting picks and our weekly Premier League betting show. Remember that betting apps vary in terms of odds, so we have an easy-to-use odds page that allows you to shop for the best lines at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and PointsBet. Claim over a thousand dollars in bonuses by signing up at the best sports betting sites using the best sportsbook promos.
RECENT FORM
Brentford (WWLLW) have followed league losses to Chelsea and Bournemouth with victories over Aston Villa and Newcastle. The Bees have used their defending as the platform for success as they've conceded just six times across their last five league matches.
Arsenal (WWWWL) have stumbled over their last five league fixtures, earning just eight points from a possible 15. The Gunners drew versus Liverpool and Nottingham Forest before falling at Manchester United. Arteta has seen his squad rebound with victories over Leeds United and Sunderland in their most recent two league matches.
FORMATIONS
Brentford most often lineup in a 4-2-3-1 shape under Head Coach Andrews. Expect the Bees to unleash their energetic press upon an Arsenal team insistent upon playing out from the back. When the press is broken, look for Brentford to sit deep in a 4-4-2 shape. When possession changes, anticipate Andrews's men to quickly work the ball into the attacking half to exploit space in-behind on counter attacks.
Arsenal continue to deploy their high-possession system, predicated upon the midfield unit imposing their size and strength upon the opponent. Expect manager Mikel Arteta to use a base 4-2-3-1 formation, giving his team the ability to control the ball and push forward in front of goalkeeper David Raya.
CONFIRMED LINEUP NOTES & INJURY NEWS
Premier League Predicted & Confirmed Lineups
Brentford Injury News & Lineup Notes
Andrews will have one key suspension and a litany of long-term absences through which he'll need to parse as he selects Thursday's starting XI.
Kevin Schade (suspension) will not be available until Feb. 21 as he serves a three-match ban due to a straight red card received during Brentford's 1-0 win over Aston Villa. Prior to suspension, the left-sided attacker's six league goals were the team's second most behind striker Igor Thiago. In Schade's absence, expect veteran Brentford player Keane Lewis-Potter to serve in his stead, as he did in Brentford's 3-2 most recent win over Newcastle.
Reiss Nelson (not injury related) has made just six league appearances (zero starts) this season. The Arsenal loanee won't feature Thursday as he is loan-locked while the Bees face his parent club.
Josh Dasilva (knee), Fabio Carvalho (knee) and Antoni Milambo (knee) each remain in recovery from long-term knee injuries. Dasilva could return in the coming weeks, but Carvalho and Milambo will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Arsenal Injury News & Lineup Notes
Arteta's main concern in conjuring his starting XI will be on his attacking and midfield options.
Martin Odegaard (undisclosed) and Leandro Trossard (undisclosed) are considered game-time decisions for Thursday. Odegaard "felt a little niggle," during the Leeds United match, according to Arteta, and was left out of the 3-0 win at Sunderland over the weekend. Trossard limped off the pitch late in the same fixture. If club captain Odegaard is unavailable, look for Arteta to flaunt the Gunners' depth with the inclusion of Kai Havertz into the midfield-three. If Trossard is not fit, Gabriel Martinelli is most likely to take up positions on Arsenal's attacking-left.
Bukayo Saka (strain) is nearing a return to action and could return soon, according to manager Mikel Arteta. However, Thursday's fixture is likely to come too soon for the winger. Expect Noni Madueke to assume Saka's role and attack from the right wing.
Mikel Merino (foot) has received his surgery and is hoping to return to end the season, according to manager Mikel Arteta, per Tom Canton of Football London. Merino had served as a Swiss Army knife in the Arsenal squad, able to play the majority of attacking and midfield roles. Look for Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard to receive the minutes left available in the wake of Merino's injury.
KEY MATCHUPS
Igor Thiago versus William Saliba and Gabriel
Strength will meet strength Thursday as the premier central defensive pairing in English football collides with the Premier League's second-leading goalscorer.
The duo Saliba and Gabriel excel in three areas: aerial prowess, defensive positioning, and blistering recovery runs. With Thiago not likely to outpace the Arsenal central defense, expect a physical battle to ensue.
Goal contributions aside, Thiago's ability to hold off Saliba & Gabriel in the center of the park to link play on Brentford counter attacks will have an outsized impact as to the number of chances Brentford can create in front of their home crowd.
Michael Kayode Long Throws
The resurgence of long throws in the Premier League has been a welcome renaissance for those who enjoy no nonsense, direct football.
Of the players performing the full speed tiptoe to the touchline and launching the ball, Kayode has established himself as the foremost long thrower in English football. According to avfc statto, as of January 31, 2026, the full-back had created eight chances from over 101 throws into the box.
Considering Brentford's manager graduated to the role of gaffer directly from his position as set piece coach and that Kayode can reach the box with a throw from near any angle in the attacking-third, expect Brentford to treat any ball out of play as a set piece opportunity.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Declan Rice is likely to hold a key role in the Arsenal attacking and defensive efforts Thursday. While in possession, the holding midfielder will be tasked with limiting the Gunners' susceptibility to counter attacks by taking up positions to sweep away fast break opportunities and break up passing lanes.
Moreover, with Saka likely to be unavailable, Rice is likely to be the primary deliverer of quality balls into the box from set piece opportunities. In what I expect to be a cagey, physical affair, look for Rice to stymie Brentford in open play and provide his first assist since November.
RESULT
Brentford 1 - Arsenal 2
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Brentford: Feb. 21 vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Arsenal: Feb. 18 at Wolverhampton
