When Arsenal travels across London to face Brentford on Sunday, the Gunners hope to maintain their lead in the Premier League standings (Watch live at 7 am ET on USA Network and online via NBCSports.com).
If Man City or Spurs win on Saturday, Mikel Arteta's team might not be in the top place for the first time in several weeks.
Arsenal's most recent Premier League match ended in a 3-1 loss to Manchester United, but four days later, in Europa League action, the Gunners defeated Zurich 2-1.
When we last saw Brentford, the Bees had just ended a three-match Premier League losing streak with a 5-2 victory over Leeds.
Although they are six points behind the Premier League leaders with nine points after six league games, the Bees are just two teams to have outscored Arsenal this year.
The away victory over Zurich in the Europa League was a very positive sign. Still, a victory over Brentford would be a great statement that the Gunners' mentality had not changed due to their defeat to Manchester United. How will Arsenal respond if they go "behind" Man City or Spurs before the game?
While Brentford has played admirably, Ivan Toney and company aim to establish themselves as one of the best teams in the Premier League. If they hold serve against the Gunners, they might find themselves only three points behind Arsenal.
Let's focus on Albert Sambi Lokonga and Gabriel, who have established themselves with the Gunners and will be essential to holding down the fort if Thomas Party cannot stay. The attacking players have been rightfully receiving a lot of Arsenal love.
Ivan Toney has started to seize his opportunity to develop into a great Premier League striker, even if the Bees are all about the team mentality. He is everything in one.
Sergi Canos (thigh) might rejoin the group. Christian Norgaard and Ethan Pinnock will miss the match versus the Gunners due to tendinitis.
Thomas Party (thigh) might be able to play in this match, but Reiss Nelson (thigh), Mohamed Elneny (thigh), and Emile Smith-Rowe (groyne) won't be.
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