Brentford Match Preview
Last Saturday’s win against Leeds United was West Ham United’s first in the Premier League during what was a busy September. They will be looking to start October by claiming back-to-back victories when they face the first game against a newly promoted side this season, as last season’s play-off winners Brentford arrive in Stratford for a London derby this afternoon.
The Hammers will be pretty familiar to Thomas Frank’s side, as they have met twice in each of the last pre-season campaigns and the omens are good for the Irons because they have won them both.
West Ham had a good record against the newly-promoted sides in the last campaign, only dropping points in the away game against Fulham. They will be wanting a similar record this time around and will hope for a good start here, as they look to go into the international break off the back of a success.
Both teams come into the game with momentum behind them as on the same day that the East Londoners came from behind against Marcelo Bielsa’s men, the Bees managed to secure a point in a 3-3 home draw with Liverpool.
Vladimír Coufal wasn’t in contention for Thursday’s game due to injury and it remains to be seen whether the Czech international will be available here.
Łukasz Fabiański, Kurt Zouma, Pablo Fornals and Tomáš Souček are likely to be restored to the starting line-up, while Michail Antonio is set to retain his place after a surprise start against SK Rapid Vienna three days ago.
Saïd Benrahma will hope to add another goal to his already impressive tally this season, as he comes up against his former club.
The match is a 2pm kick-off and the referee is Peter Banks.