Bournemouth will host Brentford at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday on Saturday evening, looking to build on their recent upturn in fortunes.
After two consecutive defeats, Bournemouth have picked up a win and a draw in their last two outings in all competitions ahead of the game vs Brentford in the Premier League this weekend. Andoni Iraola’s men are ninth in the Premier League table, and they will be pushing for European qualification for the next season.
The Cherries have a dreadful record against Brentford, and it remains to be seen whether they can make amends here. On the other hand, the Bees are coming into this game on the back of a defeat against Aston Villa and a draw against Everton in their last two Premier League matches. It remains to be seen whether they can bounce back strongly.
Thomas Frank’s men are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Bournemouth, and they beat the Cherries earlier in the season as well. It remains to be seen whether they can complete a league double over the home side. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest match between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola will be without Marcos Senesi because of a hamstring issue. Adam Smith due to a knock. Meanwhile, Enes Unal is recovering from a knee injury, and Julian Araujo with a thigh injury.
Bournemouth will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Brentford, with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. James Hill and Milos Kerkez will start as the full-backs. They will look to keep things tight at the back and help out in the attack. Ilia Zabarnyi will pair up alongside Dean Huijsen at the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Alex Scott will start alongside Tyler Adams in the double pivot, and they will look to add control and defensive cover to the side. David Brooks will start in the attacking midfield role, and he will look to create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.
Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo will start in the wide areas, and they will look to add pace and flair to the side. Finally, Evanilson will lead the line for Bournemouth vs Brentford on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Hill, Zabarrnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Tyler, Scott; Semenyo, Brooks, Kluivert; Evanilson
Brentford
Thomas Frank will be without Joshua Dasilva due to a knee injury, Gustavo Nunes due to a back injury, Rico Henry due to a knee injury, Aaron Hickey due to a thigh injury, and Igor Thiago with a knee injury. Sepp van den Berg is out with a knock, and Fabio Carvalho misses out after shoulder surgery.
Brentford will shape up in a 4-3-3 formation vs Bournemouth, with Mark Flekken in goal. Kristoffer Ajer and Keane Lewis-Potter will start as the full-backs here. They will look to keep things tight at the back and hit the Cherries on the break. Nathan Collins will start alongside Ben Mee in the central defensive partnership.
As for the midfield unit, Vitaly Janelt will start alongside Christian Norgaard and Mikkel Damsgaard in the middle of the park. Janelt and Norgaard add defensive cover to the side and Damsgaard will add creativity and drive. Kevin Schade will spearhead the Brentford attack vs Bournemouth, with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa on either side of him.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Mee, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Norgaard, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Schade, Wissa
Key Stats
- Brentford have scored at least two goals in their last four matches vs Bournemouth in all competitions.
- Brentford are undefeated in their last six matches vs Bournemouth across all competitions.
- 18 goals have been scored in the last six matches between these two sides.
- Four of the last six meetings between these two sides have seen both teams get on the scoresheet.
Player to Watch
Justin Kluivert
The Bournemouth attacking midfielder has been in impressive form in recent weeks, and he has scored some fascinating goals. He will look to continue in his rich way in a form and trouble the way defence.
Brentford have conceded 44 goals in 28 outings and their defence could let them down once again. Kluivert will look to create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well. The Dutchman could make a defining contribution in the final third, and he is our key player to watch out for.
Prediction
Bournemouth 2-2 Brentford
Both teams will be desperate for a victory here, and they are likely to take an attacking approach. Neither side are defensive in nature, and this could be an open game with a fair few chances. Matches between these two sides are often packed with goals, with the last six meetings producing 18 goals.
This is likely to be a high-scoring contest as well. However, the two teams will be difficult to separate and they could cancel each other out in a draw. Bournemouth and Brentford are likely to share the spoils here in a 2-2 stalemate.
