Brentford vs Arsenal prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for EFL Cup third round

The Sporting News
 
Brentford vs Arsenal prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for EFL Cup third round

One of a few all-Premier League matchups in the EFL Cup third round sees a capital derby played as Brentford host Arsenal in West London.

Brentford have not started the season well, on a run of five consecutive matches without a win following their 3-0 thrashing of local rivals Fulham back in mid-August. They advanced past League Two side Newport County in the EFL Cup second round, but only after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Last weekend's 3-1 home loss to struggling Everton was a real disappointment.

Arsenal will consider themselves amongst the favourites to win this competition, but fewer fixtures this season could be a blessing in disguise, while Brentford will be desperate for a result against a likely rotated Gunners squad.

Brentford vs Arsenal match facts

  • Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2023
  • Kickoff time: 7:45 p.m. local (2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT)
  • Location: Gtech Community Stadium (London, England)
  • Official: Peter Bankes
  • Last meeting: Arsenal 1-1 Brentford (Feb. 11, 2023 | Premier League)

Brentford vs Arsenal prediction, odds

  • Moneyline lean: Brentford (+240)
  • Score prediction: Brentford 3-1 Arsenal

The Gunners are one of Europe's best teams, but they have shown occasional weaknesses amidst a heavy early fixture list, and with Arteta likely to rotate his squad heavily, it could be an opportunity for Brentford to turn their momentum around.

Brentford vs Arsenal: best bet

  • Pick: Over 2.5 goals
  • Odds: -150 (BetMGM)

Banking on Arteta rotating his squad, this could be a chance for Brentford to get the goals flowing again. They've registered over 1.0 xG (expected goals) in four of six Premier League matches this season, but in only one of them did they manage over 2.0 xG, as they proceed without the services of Ivan Toney.

Still, with at least Jakub Kiwior likely deployed, it'll be a chance for Bryan Mbeumo and others to pounce. While you can get over 3.5 goals at +165, the safer play is probably the better one given a rotated Arsenal side might lack defensive prowess but also attacking vigor.

Brentford vs Arsenal prop bet

  • Pick: Arsenal over 5.5 corners
  • Odds: -110 (BetMGM)

For the team with the most corners in the Premier League, this is a low bar for the Gunners to clear. They have collected an incredible 58 corners through just six league matches to date, 17 more than anyone else and at an average of just under 10 per game. Arteta loves to play vertically, and Brentford don't mind obliging, having conceded 31 in total this season, right about in the middle of the pack.

Given that Arsenal have also gone over this total in two of the past three meetings between these teams, including seven last time they met and a whopping 14 back in February of 2022, this can be counted on regardless of the outcome of the match.