Bottom-table London derby clash pits West Ham against Brentford.
Having suffered a defeat just before the international break, the Hammers face Brentford in Monday night’s London derby, hoping to end a four-game winless run. West Ham United vs. Brentford kicks off at 20:00 [GMT+1] on October 20 at the London Stadium.
West Ham United host Brentford at the London Stadium in what promises to be a tough London derby for the Hammers. Nuno’s men are in 19th place with only four points [1W, 1D, 5L], having gone four games without a win [WLLDL]. Historically, West Ham have struggled against the Bees, winning just one of their last eight Premier League games against Brentford (D1 L6). What’s more, they enter this game on the back foot, having lost all four of their Premier League London derbies this season, conceding 12 goals and scoring just two. Such a poor record marks a rare low point for the Hammers, as they have not lost five consecutive league matches against fellow London clubs since September 2010. Their home form has been equally concerning — for only the second time in their history, West Ham have lost each of their opening three home league games of the season, having also done so last term. They have never begun a league campaign with four successive home defeats, a record that is now under threat. Niclas Füllkrug is expected at the attacking end of West Ham’s 4—2—3—1 formation.
Conversely, Brentford [LDLWL], who are currently in 16th place with 7 points after a stuttering start, have claimed more wins against West Ham (6) than any other side, and their 75% win rate in these fixtures is among their highest against any opponent they have faced three or more times, second only to Southampton (83%). However, they have suffered defeats in all three of their away league matches this season. Last term, however, the Bees had only lost three of their final 14 away league matches (W7 D4), highlighting an inconsistency expected to muddle hopes of a victory as they prepare to make the short trip across town. Nevertheless, their historical dominance over West Ham, combined with a confident squad, makes them dangerous visitors. Given Brentford’s historical advantage and West Ham’s poor start at home, the visitors are likely to enter this game with the psychological edge. However, home support could make it a competitive contest. Igor Thiago could lead Brentford’s attack when Keith Andrews deploys the 4—2—3—1 formation. As many as three players, including Gustavo Nunes, are ruled out for the Bees.