Although on paper it marks another gruelling outing for Mikel Arteta's men to face, their task has been made slightly easier by Everton of all teams, who showcased the fragility of Thomas Frank's team with a battling win at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday. Given they were a side who lost just two home games in the whole of last season, perhaps they will not be so unbeatable again this year.
However, this is a notion that the Gunners will have to work for, with the Bees always willing to provide a workmanlike challenge to whomever they face.
Fortunately, a bright start to the new campaign for the visitors suggests they will rise to the challenge, as they find themselves fifth in the Premier League table having yet to taste defeat. Then, as they kickstarted a new Champions League term, they would run riot as the Emirates played host to the 4-0 demolition of PSV Eindhoven.
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With their Spanish manager surely seeking to win every competition available, it is unlikely that he will dismiss the EFL Cup. So, with changes expected, the side will still remain strong.Who could start for Arsenal vs Brentford?
The only issue that arises regarding Arteta's potential squad selection is the speed with which they have been asked to prepare for the latest game, with tonight's clash marking their third fixture in just seven days' time.
As such, some of their stars simply must be rested, whilst there are also numerous injuries to contend with.
Gabriel Martinelli missed the weekend's north London derby due to a hamstring complaint, but it was noted that he was touch and go in the run-up. Although the Brazilian could be fit, it is unlikely he will be risked.
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Another absentee from that match was Leandro Trossard, who "felt a muscle tightness" in training before, as Arteta noted. Again, he is one unlikely to be risked.
Both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka actually started the game but had to be withdrawn due to separate injuries. Their manager would even suggest that the latter could miss their match with AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, noting: "He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field, which is never a good sign as well. He hasn’t been able to participate in the session."
Arsenal's EFL Cup performance
Round Exited
Scoreline
22/23 - Brighton and Hove Albion
Third
1-3
21/22 - Liverpool
Semi-Finals
0-0 & 0-2
20/21 - Manchester City
Quarter Finals
1-4
19/20 - Liverpool
Fourth
5-5 (9-10 pens)
18/19 - Tottenham Hotspur
Quarter Finals
0-2
With a true selection headache to contend with, as well as a floodlit ground synonymous with statement victories over the last 12 months, Arsenal will not have it easy as they seek to kickstart a cup run.
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That absence of Saka could prove to be a true hammer blow for the Gunners, who have relied heavily on the exploits of the England international this season.
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