Premier League Matchday 36: West Ham vs. Brentford
Start Time: 8:00 a.m. CST on May 14, 2023
Location: Gtech Community Stadium
FanDuel Betting Odds: West Ham +280; Draw +260; Brentford -110
West Ham (15th in the Premier League); Manager: David Moyes
Recent Results: 2-1 win vs. AZ Alkmaar (Europa Conference League); 1-0 win vs. Manchester United (Premier League); 0-3 loss vs. Manchester City (Premier League).
Brentford (10th in the Premier League); Manager: Thomas Frank
Recent Results: 0-1 loss vs. Liverpool (Premier League); 2-1 win vs. Nottingham Forest (Premier League); 2-0 win vs. Chelsea (Premier League).
FotMob Projected Lineups:
West Ham will look to continue their momentum from a successful UECL first leg when they travel across London on Sunday to take on Thomas Frank's Brentford. The Hammers come into this matchup sitting 15th in the Premier League, only three points from safety.
In their last EPL outing, West Ham virtually sealed their spot in the top flight for next season, as they defeated Manchester United 1-0 at the London Stadium. Players like Paqueta, Rice, and Benrahma are peaking at the right time of the season, and this group as a whole seems to be jelling nicely.
Sunday's opponents have been one of the bright spots of the mid-table this season. Brentford have continued their successful run in the Premier League since being promoted in 2021.
Their well-rounded side is led by Danish manager Thomas Frank, who has got the most out of players like new England international Ivan Toney, and winger Bryan Mbeumo. Toney has 20 goals in 33 league appearances up front for the Bees and will be the top threat for West Ham's defensive unit.
Though Toney's individual goals have played a large part in their success, Brentford has emerged as one of the best set-piece teams in all of football. Tifo Football made a great video a few weeks ago explaining why they're so successful. Reminds me of the good old days when Craig Dawson and Tomas Soucek were heading crosses from set pieces for fun.
This will be the third time West Ham and Brentford have faced off this season. The first came in the Premier League back in December when the Hammers lost 2-0. The two sides met in the FA Cup a week later, and West Ham were victorious 1-0 thanks to a Benrahma screamer.
For the third matchup, I'm relatively confident West Ham will get something out of this match. But Brentford will provide a tough challenge, so I'll say the sides will split the points.
Premier League Matchday 36 Prediction: West Ham 2 Brentford 2
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