It’s a second west London derby in a row for Brentford in the Premier League, as they travel to Fulham looking to leapfrog their neighbours.
Match News and Current Form
After going winless through their first three Premier League games (D2, L1), Fulham registered their first league victory of the season at home to newly-promoted Leeds last weekend (1-0). They now have the chance to post successive league victories for the first time since February, but their optimism will undoubtedly be dampened by a record of five defeats from their last seven London derbies in the Premier League (W2). A swift return home isn’t guaranteed to stimulate a response either, with the Cottagers winning just four of their last 14 home league games (D5, L5).
Brentford were the beneficiaries of a stoppage-time equaliser last weekend as they claimed a point at the death against Chelsea (2-2). They’ve had less time to prepare for this clash than Fulham owing to a League Cup tie in midweek, but after keeping the feelgood factor going by beating Aston Villa, the enthusiasm of winning three of their last five games in all competitions (D1, L1) should help offset any tired legs. Translating that form into away league action is now the ultimate goal for new boss Keith Andrews, who has tasted defeat in both Premier League road trips at the helm so far.
Head-to-Head History
Fulham did the league double over Brentford last season, but the Bees haven’t lost successive league games at Craven Cottage since January 1954!
Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of the seven goals in Fulham’s Premier League games this season came after half-time.
None of Fulham’s last 12 home league matches saw a scoreless second half.
Brentford have scored exactly once in six of their last seven away league games.
Ahead of the round, only Burnley (30) have had fewer shots than Brentford (33) in the Premier League this season.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Harry Wilson scored home and away against Brentford last season, including twice in second-half stoppage time to win this corresponding fixture for Fulham last season - each of his last six club goals arrived on or beyond the 70th minute. Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson is set to make his 500th career league appearance but he’s endured mixed success at Craven Cottage down the years (W2, D3, L2).
Fulham appear close to full strength here, while Brentford will be sweating on Kristoffer Ajer’s fitness after he was withdrawn with injury in midweek.
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Betting Analysis
There’s precious little to separate these sides on paper, so there could be value in backing the draw.
Author: Chris Wilson