West Ham United - Brentford predictions and free betting tips [26/02/2024]

Today as part of the 26th EPL tour, West Ham will host Brentford on their home ground. Due to recent failures, the Hammers have dropped to ninth place in the league table, while the Bees are hovering in 15th, just five points above the relegation zone.

West Ham 

Currently sitting in 9th place in the Premier League, West Ham is not living up to fan expectations this season. Nevertheless, the hosts still have European ambitions; though they're eight points behind 6th place Manchester United, they have played one game less. The Hammers have had a challenging winter, with no victories in the PL since the start of 2024 (3 draws and 3 losses). Recent losses include Manchester United (3:0), Arsenal (0:6), and Nottingham Forest (2:0). West Ham hasn't fared well on their home pitch, garnering only 19 points from 12 home matches (10th best in the division) with 18 goals scored and 17 conceded. However, David Moyes' charges have advanced to the knockout stage of the Conference League and will face Freiburg in two weeks.
West Ham is still without playmaker Lucas Paqueta, who is not fully healthy again. Additionally, midfielder Kalvin Phillips, loaned from Manchester City this winter, is suspended after receiving a red card against Nottingham Forest. Striker Michail Antonio is back following a long-term injury and was immediately in the starting line-up last weekend. On the flanks, Bowen (11 goals) and Kudus (6 goals) are likely to feature, and Tomas Soucek will likely cement the midfield. West Ham let defender Carrera (Monaco), winger Benrahma (Lyon), and attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals (Betis) go in the January transfer window.

Brentford

Lingering toward the bottom half of the table, Brentford sits in a modest 15th place in the Premier League, only five points clear of the drop zone. Thomas Frank's side needs to stay vigilant, considering their recent poor form: in the last 11 rounds, the Bees have suffered 9 losses and 2 wins. Although they've shown promise in matches with Liverpool and Man City, their recent results linger over the team. Like West Ham, the Bees have failed to impress this winter and have yet to win in 2024. This showdown hasn't ended in a draw for nine matches running – time to break the streak.

Head-To-Head

The Hammers have lost all five of their most recent Premier League encounters with Brentford, including their first-leg defeat this season (3:2).

Predicted Score

My prediction is a 1:1 draw.

Over/Under prediction

Both teams have a strong attacking line and score many goals, but their defences are chaotic. The first-leg match ended in an exciting shootout, and the second leg will likely follow suit.