As the new year dawns, London rivals Brentford and Arsenal will kick off 2025 with a high-stakes Premier League clash at the Gtech Community Stadium on January 1.

The Gunners head into the encounter riding a three-game winning streak and an 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

However, they will be without the services of injured star Bukayo Saka, who underwent surgery for a serious hamstring issue.

Manager Mikel Arteta may opt to deploy Gabriel Martinelli in Saka’s place, while also accommodating the in-form Gabriel Jesus upfront.

In contrast, Brentford are dealing with an injury crisis of their own, having lost goalkeeper Mark Flekken and defender Ben Mee to fitness concerns in their previous outing.

Head coach Thomas Frank remains hopeful the issues are not major, but the Bees could be without a host of key players, including Sepp van den Berg, Mathias Jensen and a number of long-term absentees.

Despite their home prowess – boasting the joint-best record in the division – Brentford have struggled on the road this season and have lost each of their last three league meetings with Arsenal at the Gtech.

Arteta’s men, who are adept at navigating London derbies, will be aiming to kick off the new year in style with another three points.

Possible Brentford starting XI: (4-2-3-1)

Valdimarsson;

Roerslev, Collins, Kim, Lewis-Potter;

Janelt, Norgaard;

Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade;

Wissa

Possible Arsenal starting XI:(4-3-3)

Raya;

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly;

Odegaard, Partey, Rice;

Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard