Arsenal know that should they win their next two games at Brentford and Brighton, they will be two points better off after 20 games than they were at the same stage last season. But that is an “if” right now and the points need to be collected.

The win over Ipswich Town on Friday evening was dominant but hardly prolific with some big chances coming and going. A trip to west London on Wednesday sees the Gunners round off this match week’s games as they look to keep pace with their title rivals.

Mikel Arteta spoke of enjoying the dominance and control of the last game more so than the five-goal victory over Crystal Palace – perhaps somewhat telling of what he expects of his side. He will want that same control as they go to a tricky place in the Gtech.

READ MORE: Sterling, Saka, Tomiyasu - Latest Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Brentford

READ MORE: Arsenal transfer confusion explained as Mikel Arteta plans for worst-case injury scenario

Arteta could yet make some changes with the games coming thick and fast this winter. David Raya will be expected to start as usual but with the FA Cup coming up, Neto’s debut may not be too far away.

In defence, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes all continue having proven to be very solid. While it might seem harsh, Myles Lewis-Skelly could be rotated out of the side.

Riccardo Calafiori is back and fit for the Gunners and is in need of some minutes to build up his form and fitness. Lewis-Skelly could then come back in for the trip to the south coast this weekend.

Into midfield and Arsenal looked more threatening when Mikel Merino entered the fray against Ipswich Town and so starts here too. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard of course complete the middle three.

Into the forward line and the absence of Bukayo Saka is filled vy a different player as Gabriel Jesus moves to the right. Gabriel Martinelli starts on the left-hand side to play in a more comfortable position.

This means Kai Havertz comes back into the centre-forward position. He of course scored a late winner at Brentford last season to earn the Gunners a dramatic three points.

Changed Arsenal XI vs Brentford: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Jesus, Saka, Martinelli