Brentford v Nottingham Forest: probable line-ups, prediction and odds
3VS2Predicted score
Nottingham ForestFinal 2 – 0
Probable line-ups
Brentford4-2-3-1Nottm Forest3-4-2-1The match setting
Brentford host Nottingham Forest at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, in a clash pitting the side in sixth against the team in 18th place.
The Bees are going through a difficult spell with a four-game winless run, despite a flattering league position.
Their last win was a 3-0 thrashing of Chelsea before the September-October international break, but since then they have picked up only two points out of a possible nine in the Premier League, with two draws and two defeats in all competitions.
Joshua Dasilva (thigh) and Antoni Milambo (knee) are not expected back before early next month, while Rico Henry (thigh) and Kaye Furo (foot) should return in late November or early December.
Nottingham Forest, for their part, are in an attacking crisis with four league games without a win, three defeats and two games without scoring.
For Brentford, Vitaly Janelt returns after a one-match suspension, but Yegor Yarmoliuk remains out as he serves a three-match ban following his red card against Liverpool.
Nicolas Dominguez could return from a muscle injury, and Nico Williams is nearing a comeback after a fall on his elbow, but Igor Jesus (calf) and Nicolo Savona (knee) are expected to miss the trip.
The 3 key points
- 1.Brentford suffer from a chronic lack of concentrationThe Londoners have opened the scoring in eight of their last ten matches in all competitions but failed to win five of them, with four draws and one defeat in the Premier League.
- 2.Forest have completely misfired up front, with only six goals scored in eight league matchdaysOne of the worst records, and they have failed to score in two of their last four games.
- 3.Janelt's return strengthens Brentford's attacking optionsWhile Forest will have to rely on Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White to create danger against a Bees defence that remains solid despite recent results.
The Teacher's verdict
Brentford should impose their dominance at home against a Nottingham Forest side in serious difficulty. The Bees, despite their winless run, remain well above them in the table and have far greater attacking power than the Tricky Trees. Kevin Schade and Lewis-Potter, together with Janelt's return, should weigh heavily against a fragile Forest defence. Forest, deprived of their main attacking weapons and short of confidence, will struggle to create clear chances. However, Brentford's tendency to concede after opening the scoring could give the visitors a chance to score at least once. Keith Andrews's men should win comfortably, even if Forest will find the net. Score: Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest.
Predicted score
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