West Ham United travel to Brentford for the first time in the league since 1992. The Bees are back in the English top-flight after their last appearance came in the 1946-47 season. However, they are back in some fashion upsetting many of the big names of the league. Even the Hammers were schooled by Brentford in the reverse fixture back in October. David Moyes’ men were beaten at home by Brentford, and will now be looking to exact the revenge.
Brentford’s season so far has been kind of the most exciting one. Thomas Frank’s team have earned historic results against many of the giants of the premier league. Brentford till now have picked up wins against Arsenal, Everton, West Ham, and Chelsea. The Bees will be high on motivation against West Ham as they come into this game on the back of a 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge.
Brentford Premier League form: L W W L W
West Ham are amidst a busy schedule entering this game. The Hammers are fighting in the Europa League quarter-finals, as well as a place for the top-four in the premier league. But Moyes’ team has done exceptionally well since the start of the season, barring some rough patches. Their goal-scoring abilities have massively improved. Moreover, they share a common record with Brentford this term. Both are the only clubs who have managed to score more than 2 goals against Liverpool.
West Ham United Premier League form: W L W L W
Brentford vs West Ham: Team News
The Bees’ team news
Thomas Frank has some injuries to deal with going into this game. Julian Jeanvier is set to miss this clash. The experienced center-back is out due to a hamstring injury. Midfielder Joshua Dasilva is also sidelined for this game. Dasilva has sustained a hamstring injury as well.
Vitaly Janelt was outstanding last time out against Chelsea scoring twice. As a result, the Brentford midfielder should keep his place in the starting eleven against West Ham. Mbeumo too was too hot to handle, providing 2 assists. Brentford’s top scorer for this season Ivan Toney should be again accompanied by Mbeumo. Christian Eriksen should start as well since scoring one and creating one goal in his last 3 appearances for the Bees.
Brentford possible starting line-up:
Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock; Roerslev, Eriksen, Norgaard, Janelt, Rico Henry; Mbeumo, Toney
The Hammers’ team news
Fortunately, David Moyes has only one injury in his squad. Angelo Ogbonna is out and will miss the trip to Brentford. The veteran center-back suffered a cruciate ligament rupture and is out for the season. Manuel Lanzini is also expected out as he may not be prepared yet to make a come back. The Argentine survived a scary car crash and is healing from the shock.
But heavy rotations should be expected after West Ham’s midweek game against Lyon in the Europa League. Fabianski should be back between the sticks after midweek’s rest. Aaron Cresswell was sent-off against Lyon and could feature against Brentford. Nikola Vlasic could replace Benrahma as well.
West Ham’s possible starting line-up:
Fabianski; Fredericks, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Fornals, Vlasic; Antonio
Our Prediction
Brentford 2-1 West Ham
We expect a repeat of the reverse fixture’s result. Brentford are in a scintillating form, whereas West Ham are in a contrast. Moreover, the Hammers have scored only 6 goals in their last 5 leagues games as compared to Brentford’s massive 10 goals. David Moyes’ side is low on morale as well compared to Thomas Frank’s. Christian Eriksen is enjoying his football brilliantly as Brentford tore into the Champions League winners Chelsea last time. Another three points are on the way for the Bees.
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