Frank wary of Arsenal threat regardless of potential changes

Thomas Frank does not expect the distraction of the Champions League to afford his Brentford any respite against Arsenal on Saturday.

This Premier League match falls between the two legs of Arsenal's European quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta's men sensationally won 3-0 at home to the defending European champions on Tuesday, putting them in pole position ahead of the return match next Wednesday.

With Liverpool edging closer to wrapping up the league title, second-placed Arsenal may be tempted to rest some star men with one eye on Madrid.

Bukayo Saka, who was outstanding against Los Blancos, has only recently returned from injury and would appear an obvious candidate to enjoy a break.

Yet Brentford boss Frank is not anticipating a change in Arsenal's play, even if the personnel is different.

"No matter which players they put out there, they will be good players," he said.

"They play the same style, with the same principles, no matter who is on the pitch. There are a few positional changes, but the overall structure and principles will be the same."

Brentford have been strong away from home of late, winning five in a row before losing to Newcastle United last week, but their last victory at Arsenal came back in 1938.

Frank knows he will have to take the opposition into account as he prepares the Bees.

“I would like to play as offensive as possible," he said, "but we need to defend a bit against Arsenal!

"Hopefully we can be as much as possible in the middle and high pressure."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal – Bukayo Saka

Brentford will hope Saka is among those rested, as he has hit the ground running on his return from injury and also loves playing London rivals.

He has been directly involved in 15 goals in his past 17 derbies in the capital, scoring eight and assisting seven.

Brentford – Christian Norgaard

While Saka stars against all capital clubs, Norgaard saves his best specifically for Arsenal.

Of the six Premier League goals Brentford have netted against the Gunners, Norgaard has been involved in three, scoring twice and assisting once.

He had scored in back-to-back away games before the Newcastle defeat, too.

MATCH PREDICTION – ARSENAL WIN

Arsenal have won five of their last six Premier League games against Brentford, drawing the other, to ensure the defeat in the Bees' debut season is now firmly in the past.

The Gunners have also won 12 of their past 15 London derbies, losing just once and incredibly scoring five or more goals in five of those.

So while the Madrid tie looms large, Brentford may still be relieved to get away without a heavy defeat. They have won their past two away London derbies, however.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Arsenal – 56.4%

Draw – 22.9%

Brentford – 20.7%