Brentford welcome Nottingham Forest to the Gtech Community Stadium in a Premier League clash on Saturday. Both teams come into this match on contrasting trajectories, with Brentford struggling for consistency and Forest eyeing a potential leap into the top three.
Brentford Recent Form
Brentford have shown two distinct faces this season: they remain unbeaten at home in the Premier League, while their away form leaves much to be desired. The Bees’ recent 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup quarter-final highlighted their struggles on the road.
However, at the Gtech Community Stadium, they’ve amassed 22 points from 24 available, scoring three or more goals in their last five home league fixtures.
Injury and Team News
Brentford’s injury woes continue, with Ethan Pinnock (hamstring) and Sepp van den Berg (groin) both doubts for this match after midweek setbacks.
They join a long list of absentees including Gustavo Nunes (back), Rico Henry (knee), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Josh Dasilva (knee), and Mathias Jensen (thigh).
On the positive side, Igor Thiago has returned to training and may be fit enough to start.
Last Brentford Lineup
Here is how Brentford lined up for their last match:
Nottingham Forest Recent Form
Forest enter this match on the back of a morale-boosting 2-1 comeback victory against Aston Villa.
Nuno Espírito Santo's men have climbed to fourth in the table, with equal points gained at home and away. However, their defensive frailties on the road are a concern, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six away matches.
Injury and Team News
Forest face fitness concerns over Murillo and Ryan Yates, who picked up knocks during the Villa match. Both are expected to recover in time for this clash. However, Danilo (ankle) and Ibrahim Sangaré (hamstring) remain sidelined.
Last Nottingham Forest Lineup
Here is how Forest lined up for their last match:
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest - Who is the Referee and VAR?
Here are the confirmed officials for the game:
Referee: Michael Oliver.
Assistants: Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring.
Fourth official: Andy Davies.
VAR: Jarred Gillett.
Assistant VAR: Dan Cook.
Brentford Player to Watch
Bryan Mbeumo continues to be Brentford’s talisman in attack. With his pace and clinical finishing, Mbeumo has been instrumental in their home dominance this season.
Nottingham Forest Player to Watch
Anthony Elanga will look to exploit Brentford’s makeshift defence. His late winner against Aston Villa highlighted his ability to make decisive contributions.
Prediction
Brentford’s home form is formidable, while Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities away from home may be their undoing. Expect an entertaining clash, with Brentford edging it in a high-scoring affair.
Our Prediction: Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - Brentford have conceded in every home league match, while Forest’s attack has been productive.
Tip 2
Over 2.5 Goals - Brentford have scored three or more goals in their last five home matches, and Forest are leaky on the road.
Tip 3
Bryan Mbeumo to Score Anytime - Mbeumo remains Brentford’s key attacking threat, especially at home.
