Brentford vs Leicester Preview
- Draw or Brentford win
- Mbeumo to score
Brentford will host Leicester City at the Gtech Community Stadium in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. The Bees are flying high after solidifying their strong home form, while the Foxes are in transition following the departure of their manager, Steve Cooper.
Brentford: Aiming for Historic Consistency
Brentford head into this game brimming with confidence after securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Everton, despite playing much of the match with ten men.
The result ended a five-match away losing streak, and the Bees now return to the Gtech Community Stadium, where they have been formidable this season.
Thomas Frank’s side boasts a league-best record of 16 points and 18 goals at home, making the Gtech a fortress. With a fourth consecutive Premier League home win within reach—a feat they’ve never achieved—Brentford will be motivated to maintain their momentum.
However, their record against Leicester is less inspiring. The Bees have never beaten the Foxes in the Premier League (D2, L2), and this psychological barrier might temper their confidence.
Bryan Mbeumo, who has scored or assisted in his last six league outings at home (G7, A1), will be pivotal in breaking this trend.
Leicester City: A Club in Transition
Leicester City are undergoing significant changes after parting ways with Steve Cooper following a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.
While the Foxes sit above the relegation zone, a five-match winless streak across all competitions (D1, L4) sealed Cooper’s fate. First Team Coach Ben Dawson will take charge for this match, with Ruud van Nistelrooy emerging as a favorite for the permanent role.
The Foxes face a daunting task, as they struggle to shake off a dismal record in London. They’ve managed just one win in their last 13 Premier League away games against London clubs (D3, L9), conceding two or more goals in each of their last five top-flight trips to the capital.
Leicester will need Jamie Vardy at his lethal best. The veteran striker has an impressive 80% shot-on-target conversion rate, scoring four goals from five attempts, the joint-best in the league this season among players with at least five shots on target.
Key Battles
Bryan Mbeumo vs Leicester’s Defense
Mbeumo’s red-hot form at home will be a major headache for Leicester’s backline. The Foxes’ defense, which has struggled to contain opponents on the road, will need to find a way to neutralize his influence.
Jamie Vardy vs Brentford’s Defense
Vardy’s clinical finishing remains a bright spot for Leicester. Brentford’s defense will need to remain vigilant, particularly during transitions, to prevent the veteran forward from exploiting any gaps.
Tactical Analysis
Brentford will likely stick to their high-intensity pressing game, using their home advantage to dominate proceedings. The combination of Bryan Mbeumo’s creativity and Ivan Toney’s physical presence will be key to breaking Leicester’s defensive lines.
Leicester, meanwhile, will aim to sit deep and counterattack, relying on the pace of Harvey Barnes and the finishing of Vardy. Interim coach Ben Dawson may also encourage a more compact defensive setup to limit Brentford’s attacking threats.
Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Leicester City
Brentford’s excellent home form and attacking firepower make them favorites to secure all three points. While Leicester may show flashes of resilience under interim management, their poor record in London and defensive frailties could prove their undoing.
Expect Mbeumo to continue his scoring streak at home, while Vardy might grab a goal to keep things interesting. However, the Bees should ultimately prevail as they push closer to the Premier League’s top six.
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Brentford v Leicester, 2024/25 | Premier League