Brentford F.C. vs Arsenal F.C. Lineups: 12 Feb 2026 Teams

The Gtech Community Stadium hosts a pivotal Premier League showdown on Thursday as Brentford welcome Arsenal in Gameweek 26. Yet the visitors face a mounting injury crisis that could reshape their lineup entirely.

Date: 12 Feb 2026 ·
Competition: Premier League Matchweek 26 ·
Recent Result: Brentford FC 1-1 Arsenal ·
Arsenal Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1 ·
Key Arsenal Players: Raya, Saliba, Rice, Saka

Key player availability and recent form set the stage for this Gameweek 26 fixture.

Who is the 11 player in Arsenal today?

Arsenal face a selection headache heading into Thursday’s fixture, with manager Mikel Arteta sweating over several fitness tests. The midfield setup remains fluid, with Declan Rice likely anchoring the centre while Eberechi Eze could drop deeper if Kai Havertz is unavailable.

Predicted Arsenal Starting XI

Several outlets project Arsenal in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli. Viktor Gyokeres staked his claim to start after scoring twice off the bench in recent matches, according to Premier League Official coverage.

• Goalkeeper: David Raya (13 clean sheets this season)
• Defence: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
• Midfield: Eze, Zubimendi, Rice
• Attack: Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Key Substitutes

Noni Madueke is expected to assume Bukayo Saka’s right-wing role, as reported by RotoWire. Eberechi Eze could play behind the front three if Havertz remains out, offering tactical flexibility. Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard missed the win over Sunderland, per Premier League Official.

Injury Updates

Arteta provided updates on several sidelined players. “Max is still not available; we will evaluate the others,” the manager stated, according to Last Word on Sports. Bukayo Saka is nearing a return but Thursday’s fixture is likely to come too soon. Kai Havertz has a confirmed muscle injury and is out for some time. Mikel Merino underwent successful foot surgery with a projected return in late April or April 2026.

Arsenal unbeaten in eight games against Brentford, but the injury crisis means this streak faces its sternest test yet.

What are Brentford FC vs Arsenal FC lineups today?

Brentford approach this match with their own selection challenges, most notably the absence of Kevin Schade through suspension. The striker has six league goals this season and his ban runs until February 21, 2026, per RotoWire.

Brentford Starting Lineup

Keane Lewis-Potter is expected to replace Kevin Schade in the starting eleven, according to RotoWire. Igor Thiago becomes Brentford’s primary goal threat with Schade absent. Yehor Yarmoliuk may start over Jordan Henderson in midfield, as noted by Premier League Official.

• Goalkeeper: Kelleher
• Defence: Kayode, Van den Berg, Ajer, Henry
• Midfield: Janelt, Henderson (or Yarmoliuk)
• Attack: Ouattara, Jensen, Lewis-Potter, Thiago

Full Squads and Subs

Brentford’s injury list includes Josh Dasilva (knee/groin), Fabio Carvalho (knee/ACL), and Antoni Milambo (knee). Carvalho and Milambo are out for the remainder of the season, while Dasilva could return in coming weeks, per RotoWire. Reiss Nelson is ineligible as he remains on loan from Arsenal.

The implication: Brentford must reshape their attack without their leading scorer, relying on Igor Thiago to shoulder the creative burden.

Tactical Formations

Both sides are predicted to employ variations of 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with Arsenal relying on Rice and Zubimendi for defensive solidity while Brentford look to exploit spaces behind Arsenal’s reshuffled backline.

The Bees showed against Newcastle they can score against top opposition—now they must prove they can do so without their leading scorer.

Which team is better, Arsenal or Brentford?

On paper, Arsenal hold clear advantages: league leaders, superior head-to-head record, and the division’s best away form. However, Brentford’s home form and momentum from beating Newcastle complicate the picture considerably.

Head-to-Head Stats

Arsenal are unbeaten in eight games against Brentford, a run that includes commanding victories and tight draws. The most recent meeting ended 1-1. Historical scores include an Arsenal 4-0 Brentford thrashing in earlier encounters, per Athlon Sports.

Current Form

Brentford’s 3-2 win over Newcastle came just days before this fixture, with Igor Thiago leading the line effectively. Arsenal beat Sunderland 3-0 in their most recent match, per Sports Mole, but the victory came without several key starters.

Prediction and Odds

Despite Arsenal’s injury concerns, the Premier League Official predicted lineups page suggests the visitors remain slight favourites. Arsenal boast the league’s best away record, according to Athlon Sports, and have shown resilience in adversity this season.

The pattern is clear: Arsenal have the quality to win, but their depleted squad against Brentford’s momentum makes this far from straightforward.

What are the chances of Arsenal winning?

Arsenal remain in the driver’s seat for the Premier League title and a victory at the Gtech Community Stadium would solidify their position at the summit. The question is whether Arteta can extract enough quality from a depleted roster.

Betting Odds

Multiple sportsbooks list Arsenal as narrow favourites despite the injury list. The title race implications add extra motivation—another three points moves them closer to sealing a remarkable season.

Expert Predictions

Analysis from Athlon Sports suggests Arsenal’s best away record in the league gives them the edge. However, Brentford’s recent form against top sides cannot be ignored.

Key Matchups

The decisive battles likely come in midfield, where Rice and Zubimendi must control the tempo against Brentford’s energetic press. Up front, whether Gyokeres starts could determine Arsenal’s cutting edge. In defence, Saliba faces the task of neutralising Igor Thiago. For those interested in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, you can find more information on the ice hockey tournament here: Ishockey Vinter OL 2026.

“Max is still not available; we will evaluate the others.”

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager (Last Word on Sports)

“The medical team is pleased with how the surgery went… expected timeframe is several months.”

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager (YouTube Preview Video)

The implications extend beyond Thursday: Arteta needs his sidelined stars back quickly if Arsenal are to maintain their title charge through the business end of the season.

Who won Arsenal vs. Brentford today?

The match on February 12, 2026, represents a fresh encounter between these sides. Their most recent league meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, while Arsenal hold the historical advantage in this fixture.

Match Report

This fixture pits two clubs in different headspaces: Arsenal fighting for silverware, Brentford pushing for European qualification. The Bees arrive buoyed by their Newcastle upset while Arsenal seek to extend their unbeaten run against this opponent.

Highlights

Brentford’s dramatic 3-2 win over Newcastle saw them come from behind, demonstrating the resilience that makes them dangerous at home. Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland showed their ability to win comfortably even without key personnel.

Key Moments

Watch for Brentford’s set-piece threat—they excel at dead-ball situations. Arsenal will look to build through Rice in midfield and exploit pace on the counter through Martinelli and Madueke.

What this means: the tactical choice around Gyokeres will reveal how much Arteta trusts his depleted roster to go for the win.

A side-by-side comparison of both squads illustrates where the stakes lie.

The injury and suspension tables consolidate what is confirmed heading into match day.