Arsenal enter 2025 second in the Premier League and unbeaten in 11 games, but the mood in north London is not exactly painting the rosiest of pictures.
A lot of it has to do with Bukayo Saka's latest injury setback Which will keep him on the sidelines for at least two months. Life without their star winger began with a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Friday night – a performance that summed up the latest iteration of Mikel Arteta's side: gritty and in control, but stripped of a rough edge.
This will be a huge effort for the title contenders, but they are a good enough team even without Saka to stay in the competition. Liverpool sure have a bump, right?
However, their margin for error is razor-thin and just three points will be enough for them when they travel to Brentford on New Year's Day. Here's how the Gunners could line up at Gtech.
Goalkeeper: David Raya – Raya was not eligible to face the Bees last season after joining Arsenal on an initial loan, but the Spaniard is available to face his former club after completing a permanent move in the summer.
Right-back: Joren Temper – There has been a lot of wood over the past month as a result of Arsenal's injuries to the full-back position. He is a good footballer, but there is a risk of fatigue.
Centre-back: William Saliba – Saliba played a major role in keeping the fast bees away on Wednesday. Ipswich allowed the Frenchman to complete passes at will on Friday, and there is scope for the defender to score another goal on New Year's Day.
Center back: Gabriel – Free kicks have played a pivotal role in Arsenal's success this season and they will need Gabriel to continue his dominance in the opposition penalty area while Saka is out. He wasted a golden opportunity on Friday night.
LB: Miles Lewis Skelly – Riccardo Calafiore will certainly play a role, but Lewis Skelly does not deserve to be left out. He has looked at complete ease since joining the senior team.
CM: Declan Rice – Arteta recently spoke about Rice's midfield role being opposition-based. with Arsenal Likely to dominate regionally and Brentford With a clear threat on the counter-attack, it makes sense for Rice to start at the base of midfield again instead of Thomas Partey.
CM: Mikel Merino – The Gunners need bodies in the box on Wednesday, and Merino's crash could come in handy. The midfielder's career has yet to take off in north London.
Midfielder: Martin Odegaard – The leader is beginning to have more success as a metronome, and we should expect to see him dip deeper and wider in an attempt to dictate actions. However, Arsenal will also need his ability to open locks in the final third.
Right wing: Gabriel Martinelli – Arteta will not abandon Martinelli's right-wing experiment after one start. The Brazilian should get another chance despite his struggles on Friday night.
ST: Kai Havertz – The German produced his best performance in a while against Ipswich but could return to the centre-forward role here. Havertz scored two late goals against Brentford last season.
Left wing: Gabriel Jesus – Jesus will remain in the team and will play in a flexible position on the left side. He will move freely and will have plenty of opportunities to occupy the penalty area. His mini-scoring career came to an end last time out.
