West Ham vs Brentford Preview

• Draw
• Both teams to score

West Ham United look to turn around their dismal form when they host in-form Brentford in a crucial London derby.

Graham Potter is still searching for solutions after a rough start as West Ham boss, while Brentford arrive with a chance to secure a historic third consecutive away win in the Premier League.

West Ham: Struggling for Consistency

West Ham’s woeful form continues, with just one win from their last seven matches across all competitions (D1, L5).

Graham Potter is still adjusting to life at the London Stadium, but the ten-point gap to the relegation zone means he has some time to find solutions to their struggles.

What’s Gone Wrong for West Ham?

• Poor defence: Conceded 14 goals in their last seven matches.
• Struggles in attack: Managed just five goals in their last five league games.
• Inconsistent home form: Won only two of their last seven home league games (W2, D2, L3).

One glimmer of hope is that Potter has never lost to Brentford as a manager (W5, D1), with his sides keeping four consecutive clean sheets in those encounters.

Given that West Ham’s only win under Potter came at home (3-2 vs Fulham), returning to the London Stadium could be key in stopping their slide.

Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)

• Chelsea 3-1 West Ham (Premier League) – L
• West Ham 0-2 Aston Villa (FA Cup) – L
• West Ham 2-2 Bournemouth (Premier League) – D
• West Ham 1-3 Arsenal (Premier League) – L
• West Ham 3-2 Fulham (Premier League) – W

Why West Ham Can Win

• Brentford have an inconsistent away record, despite winning their last two on the road.
• Jarrod Bowen’s goal threat: He’s close to hitting 50 Premier League goals.
• Potter’s near-perfect record against Brentford (W5, D1).

Key Player: Jarrod Bowen

Bowen is one goal away from his 50th Premier League goal, and he will be crucial if West Ham want to get back to winning ways. His ability to cut inside and finish clinically could pose problems for Brentford’s defence.

Brentford: Making History?

After a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham last weekend, Brentford will be eager to bounce back and secure a third consecutive away league victory for the first time ever.

Why Brentford Are Dangerous Right Now

• Won their last two away matches (after failing to win nine straight on the road).
• Scored in all seven prior Premier League meetings vs West Ham – their best scoring streak against any opponent in the division.
• West Ham are struggling defensively, which plays into Brentford’s strengths.

Thomas Frank’s men are fighting to stay clear of relegation danger but know a win here could push them further towards mid-table safety.

They will take confidence from their strong record in London derbies, having taken four points from their last two away derbies against Fulham and Chelsea.

Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)

• Brentford 0-2 Tottenham (Premier League) – L
• Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest (Premier League) – W
• Wolves 1-2 Brentford (Premier League) – W
• Brentford 1-3 Manchester City (Premier League) – L
• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Brentford (FA Cup) – L

Why Brentford Can Win

• Two consecutive away league wins, looking to make it three for the first time ever.
• Kevin Schade’s form: Unbeaten in his last 13 matches when scoring.
• Always scores vs West Ham in the Premier League (7 games, 12 goals scored).

Key Player: Kevin Schade

The German winger is in good form, and he scored in Brentford’s last away win. His pace and directness could cause serious problems for West Ham’s defence, particularly if he gets space on the counter.

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings in All Competitions)

• 04/11/24 – Brentford 3-2 West Ham (Premier League)
• 14/05/23 – Brentford 2-0 West Ham (Premier League)
• 07/01/23 – Brentford 0-1 West Ham (FA Cup)
• 30/12/22 – West Ham 0-2 Brentford (Premier League)
• 10/04/22 – Brentford 2-0 West Ham (Premier League)

Key Trends

• Brentford have won five of the last six Premier League H2Hs.
• West Ham’s only win in this fixture since 2021 came in the FA Cup.
• Every Premier League H2H has seen Brentford score.

Tactical Insights

West Ham’s Approach

• Look to dominate possession at home.
• Use Bowen’s movement to stretch Brentford’s defence.
• Exploit set-pieces – Ward-Prowse’s deliveries could be a major factor.

Brentford’s Strategy

• Sit back and counter-attack using Schade and Mbeumo’s pace.
• Use their strong record vs West Ham to apply psychological pressure.
• Be physical in midfield – look to disrupt West Ham’s rhythm.

Prediction and Final Thoughts

This is a crucial match for both teams, but for different reasons. West Ham desperately need a win to lift spirits under Potter, while Brentford can make history with a third straight away league victory.

Brentford have dominated this fixture recently, and with West Ham struggling for consistency, the Bees may just edge it again. However, West Ham’s desperation and home advantage should ensure they don’t go down without a fight.

Predicted Scoreline: West Ham 1-1 Brentford

• Brentford extend their unbeaten scoring record vs West Ham.
• Bowen scores his 50th Premier League goal.
• A tight, tense London derby with few clear-cut chances.

Conclusion

West Ham must improve under Potter to avoid being dragged into trouble, while Brentford will see this as a golden chance to continue their strong away form. Given their history in this fixture, Brentford will be slightly more confident, but expect a close, competitive encounter.

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West Ham v Brentford, 2024/25 | Premier League