...By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
West Ham United will make the trip to Brentford with their Premier League status almost secure and their focus divided due to their upcoming Europa Conference League semi-final second leg.
The Hammers currently have a six-point cushion above the relegation zone, allowing manager David Moyes to consider making changes to the team ahead of their clash with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Brentford, having secured a top-half finish in the league, are aiming to end the season on a strong note under the guidance of Thomas Frank.
This preview provides key details about the match.
Date, Kick-off Time, and Venue:
The Brentford vs West Ham match is scheduled to kick off at 2pm BST on Sunday, May 14, 2023. The game will take place at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Where to Watch Brentford vs West Ham:
In the UK, the match will not be televised live on TV due to its original scheduling as a Saturday 3pm kick-off, which was later moved to accommodate West Ham’s European commitments.
Brentford vs West Ham Team News:
Brentford may be without Pontus Jansson (hamstring), Keane Lewis-Potter (knee), and Christian Norgaard (heel) due to injuries.
Kevin Schade and Josh Dasilva are expected to make appearances, with Schade potentially returning to the starting lineup and Dasilva joining the midfield.
West Ham’s Angelo Ogbonna is likely to miss out again due to illness, possibly requiring Kurt Zouma to start in his place.
Gianluca Scamacca remains absent, while Vladimir Coufal is nearing a return from a hamstring injury but is unlikely to feature in this match.
Brentford vs West Ham Prediction:
Considering West Ham’s focus on the Europa Conference League, they might field a weakened team against Brentford.
However, the Bees themselves have experienced a dip in form, with only two wins in their last nine matches.
A 1-1 draw is predicted for this encounter.
Head-to-Head History and Results:
Since Brentford’s promotion in 2021, all three of their Premier League meetings with West Ham have ended in Brentford’s favor.
Brentford has recorded 18 wins, while West Ham has emerged victorious in 23 matches, with 11 draws between them.
Brentford vs West Ham Match Odds:
The odds for the match are as follows: Brentford – 19/20, Draw – 5/2, West Ham – 29/10.
(Odds via Betfair, subject to change)
Analysis:
West Ham’s trip to Brentford presents a complex situation for the club.
With their Premier League survival nearly guaranteed, the focus of manager David Moyes and his team is divided due to their Europa Conference League commitments.
This has led to speculation that West Ham may field a weakened side for the league fixture, prioritizing their European campaign.
On the other hand, Brentford, having secured a top-half finish, will aim to finish the season strongly under Thomas Frank.
Although recent form has been challenging for both teams, with Brentford experiencing a dip and West Ham juggling multiple competitions, this match offers an opportunity for each team to make a statement.
West Ham will look to overcome their recent struggles and maintain their league momentum, while Brentford will seek to assert their dominance over their Premier League counterparts once again.
The head-to-head history between the two teams favors West Ham, with Brentford winning all three of their Premier League encounters since promotion.
