Bournemouth vs Brentford Preview
- Draw
- Both teams to score
Bournemouth and Brentford meet in a crucial mid-table clash at the Vitality Stadium, with both sides still eyeing European qualification. However, both teams are coming off frustrating results and will be desperate to return to winning ways.
The Cherries squandered a two-goal lead at Tottenham to draw 2-2 last weekend, marking their first three-game winless run of the season. Manager Andoni Iraola has called for his side to be more clinical and efficient as they look to arrest their recent slump.
Meanwhile, Brentford saw their three-match unbeaten streak end with a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, but their recent away form has been excellent.
The Bees have won four consecutive away league games, their best such run in over a decade, and will be keen to extend that streak to five.
Can Bournemouth end their poor run against Brentford, or will the Bees continue their away resurgence? Here’s a full match preview.
Bournemouth’s Slump and Home Struggles
Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham was a bitter pill to swallow, as they conceded late goals to throw away a two-goal advantage.
That result extended their winless run to three matches (D1, L2) and raised concerns about their ability to close out games.
The Cherries have struggled at home, losing their last two league fixtures at the Vitality Stadium, while their four-point tally since February is among the worst in the league—only the bottom three teams have collected fewer points.
Another major concern is their record against Brentford. Bournemouth are winless in regular league action against the Bees since 2014 (D2, L6), and they have failed to win either of their two previous Premier League home meetings (D1, L1).
If they are to turn things around, Iraola’s men must start taking their chances and regain their defensive solidity.
Brentford’s Away Resurgence
Brentford’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend ended their three-game unbeaten run, but they will take confidence from their impressive away form.
The Bees have won four consecutive away league matches, matching their total away wins from their previous 27 league trips (D4, L19)!
Their recent road victories have come against bottom-half opposition, but securing a fifth straight away win for the first time since 2010 will be a tougher challenge.
Despite their away form, Brentford’s home performances have been poor, with seven consecutive winless home league matches (D2, L5). That makes this fixture all the more crucial as they aim to close the six-point gap to Bournemouth.
With their historical dominance in this fixture, Brentford will feel confident they can continue their good form away from home.
Head-to-Head Record: Brentford’s Dominance
- Bournemouth’s last league win vs Brentford: 2014
- Last two Premier League meetings at Vitality Stadium: Brentford W1, D1
- Bournemouth’s recent home form: Lost last two league games
- Brentford’s away form: Won last four away league matches
Brentford’s historical edge and strong away form make them slight favourites, but Bournemouth will be desperate to break their winless streak.
Key Players to Watch
Evanilson (Bournemouth)
The Brazilian has hit form recently, scoring in both of Bournemouth’s last two matches. Interestingly, four of his last five Premier League goals have come after half-time, making him a potential second-half game-changer.
Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford)
The Danish midfielder has been in fantastic creative form, assisting two goals in Brentford’s 4-0 win at Leicester. With 10 assists this season, he is behind only Liverpool’s Mo Salah (17) in the Premier League assist charts. If he is given space to operate, he could be Brentford’s key playmaker.
Prediction: Can Bournemouth Break Their Winless Streak?
Both teams are desperate for points, with Bournemouth aiming to end their recent slump and Brentford seeking to extend their away winning streak.
Brentford’s dominance in this fixture and excellent away form give them a slight edge, but Bournemouth’s urgency and home advantage could make this a closely contested battle. Expect a competitive game with goals, but a draw seems the most likely outcome.
Predicted Score: Bournemouth 2-2 Brentford
Bournemouth’s struggles in closing out games could haunt them again, while Brentford’s away momentum may see them snatch a point in a high-scoring affair.
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Bournemouth v Brentford, 2024/25 | Premier League