Arsenal v Brentford: Predictions, tips and bet builder as Gunners take down Bees
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice
After an amazing week in Europe, Arsenal return to domestic action against Brentford in the Saturday evening kick-off (1730 BST). Can we find you some winning tips on April 12?
Declan Rice’s stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid could be a defining moment in Arsenal’s season.
Yes, the Gunners are now in the driving seat for the Champions League quarter-final second leg next week, but maybe there’s more to it than that. Is something amazing going to happen in the final weeks of the Premier League season?
As we know, the Football Gods can be incredibly cruel, but are also prone to a fantastical storyline.
Rice had never scored a professional free-kick before Tuesday night and rarely even took them at West Ham, so those crackers really were bolts from the blue.
Meanwhile, Liverpool lost their 26-match unbeaten streak in a rare stumble against Fulham at the weekend and Mo Salah is going through a drought.
Are we about to see Liverpool go through a momentous slump, while the Gunners, fuelled by European chutzpah, come up on the rails and pip them in the final match of the campaign?
Probably not (Liverpool play West Ham at the weekend), but we have to dream, don't we, or the end of the season will be as dull as socks for your main Christmas present.
We are going for full positivity on Arsenal as they face Brentford on Saturday night, a side they rarely lose to.
These tips, when stitched together in a bet builder, could net you odds of around 45/1 at the time of writing.
Good luck, and please gamble responsibly.
(All odds are correct at the time of article publication)
Arsenal v Brentford bet builder
Declan Rice over 3 shots - 23/10
Mikel Merino to score or assist - 11/8
Arsenal to win to nil
Arsenal will be on cloud nine after the Real Madrid win and could be too hot for Brentford to handle, even if Mikel Arteta does rotate his tired squad.
At home the Gunners have 10 wins from 15, and have only conceded 12 at the Emirates all season. Brentford have only five wins from 15 away games.
Arsenal, who are unbeaten in their last five league games, beat Brentford 3-1 in the reverse fixture on New Year's Day and have won 5 of their last 6 Premier League games against their West London rivals.
But the odds of a straight Gunners win are too short, so slap it in as win to nil.
The Bees have failed to score in three of the last six meetings with Arsenal and come into this match off the back of a 0-0 with Chelsea.
Under 2.5 goals
Despite Arsenal averaging 2.8 goals at home this season and Brentford 2.73 goals away from home, we are going for a low scoring affair.
Both sides are hardly banging in the goals at the moment. The Bees have four from their last five, while before the Madrid match Arsenal had four in three, and they still lack a proper striker.
Although their midfielders appear to be stepping up to the plate.
Declan Rice three or more shots
We are not expecting lightning to strike thrice and Rice to slam home another free-kick, although we are sure he’ll chance his arm from range.
Given he has fire in his boots, over 3 shots might seem a little conservative, but it’s a slightly safer shout.
Rice had five shots against Madrid, two against Everton last weekend, and three each in the recent Fulham and Chelsea games.
Be aware that Arteta might rest Rice from the starting line-up, but the England midfielder will likely get on the pitch if things aren’t going to plan.
Mikel Merino to score or assist
The Spaniard has hit a rich vein of scoring form since being shuffled up front by Arteta.
He has scored in three consecutive home games against Madrid, Fulham and Chelsea and will be expected to lead the line against Brentford.
There’s not a great deal of difference in odds for Merino to score and odds for Merino to score or assist, so hedge your bets on this one.
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