On Monday, West Ham United will host Brentford in an English Premier League match, featuring two teams grappling with a lack of form. West Ham, with a record of 10 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses, enters the contest on a six-game winless streak in league play, managing only three draws during this period.
Their recent defeat came in a 2-0 loss against Nottingham Forest last weekend. Meanwhile, Brentford, with a record of 7 wins, 4 draws, and 14 losses, has also struggled, suffering their fourth loss in five matches and 11th in 14 outings with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Manchester City last Tuesday. Notably, Brentford claimed a 3-2 victory in the first encounter between these teams earlier in the season, adding intrigue to their upcoming clash.
Team News & Tactics
West Ham United
Ahead of the clash against Brentford, West Ham United manager David Moyes is facing the absence of midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the previous match against Nottingham Forest.
On the injury front, there are slight doubts over the involvement of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who has resumed full training but may not be deemed fully fit to start. If deemed fit enough, Paqueta could slot into the starting lineup, but Moyes might exercise caution and introduce him gradually from the bench.
In Paqueta’s potential absence, Moyes is likely to stick with Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek in central midfield, with James Ward-Prowse operating in a slightly advanced role. Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen are expected to continue on the wings, providing width and creativity, while Michail Antonio is set to lead the attacking line for the Hammers.
In defense, Vladimir Coufal and Emerson are expected to feature as full-backs, providing support in both defensive and attacking phases. At the heart of the defense, Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma are likely to form the preferred central defensive partnership, offering solidity and composure at the back.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Bowen, Ward-Prowse, Kudus; Antonio
Brentford
Ivan Toney – Striker
Unlike their opponents, West Ham, Brentford are dealing with a significant injury crisis ahead of Monday night’s clash, with several key players unavailable for selection. Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Ethan Pinnock, Kevin Schade, Bryan Mbeumo, and Josh Dasilva are all sidelined, casting a shadow over Thomas Frank’s squad selection.
In response to the absence of key personnel, Frank may opt to introduce Nathan Collins into the defensive lineup, potentially replacing Mathias Jorgensen. In midfield, Mathias Jensen could be called upon to join Christian Norgaard and Frank Onyeka, forming a formidable trio in the middle of the park.
On the flanks, Mads Roerslev and Sergio Reguilon are expected to continue their roles as wing-backs, providing width and attacking impetus to Brentford’s play. In attack, there could be a reshuffle, with Neal Maupay poised to partner Ivan Toney up front, potentially edging out Yoane Wissa from the starting lineup.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Flekken; Collins, Ajer, Ben Mee; Roerslev, Onyeka, Norgaard, Jensen, Reguilon; Toney, Maupay
