Hopes of life in the Premier League comes alive this week in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals. Bournemouth welcomes Brentford at the Vitality Stadium on Monday with a kickoff at 8 pm.
It is a contrasting match with the home side ending their season with three successive defeats. On the other hand, Brentford is currently on a 12 unbeaten match run in the second tier.
Brentford was among the favourites last season to promote the Premier League after an impressive season in the second tier. However, a defeat to Fulham left the side with another year to fight for another comeback. Their eliminators faced the axe from the Premier League last week.
However, Thomas Frank knows that form comes out of the question. Rival teams will not be frightened, with the Bees picking up 24 points from 12 games. Ivan Toney has been the goal-scoring machine at the end while shipping 31 goals. Bryan Mbuemo is another threat for the visitors with three goals in the last four outings.
In contrast, Bournemouth had a sour end to the season while picking three successive defeats. It followed with a loss to opponents Brentford, followed with others to Wycombe Wanderers and Stoke City.
Jonathan Woodgate was keen on a return for the Cherries to England’s top flight. However, there is an uphill task ahead.
Bournemouth vs. Brentford Head to Head
Both sides have 14 games against each other, with Bournemouth taking four wins while Brentford with six wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Bournemouth 0-2 Stoke City
- Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 Bournemouth
- Bournemouth 0-1 Brentford
- Millwall 1-4 Bournemouth
- Norwich City 1-3 Bournemouth
Away
- Bristol City 1-3 Brentford
- Brentford 2-0 Watford
- Brentford 1-0 Rotherham United
- Bournemouth 0-1 Brentford
- Brentford 1-1 Cardiff City
Bournemouth Team News
Jack Wilshere’s experience might come in handy ahead of Ben Pearson. Jack Stacey has been in form to earn a slot ahead of Adam Smith at right-back. Junior Stanislas continues pushing for a recall into the starting XI. A defensive pairing of Cook and Carter-Vickers is highly likely.
Brentford Team News
Mbeumo expects to start flank this time out to place fellow teammate Sergi Canos on the bench. Injury absentees for Thomas Frank ahead of the clash include Henrik Dalsgaard, Rico Henry and Josh Dasilva.
Prediction and Odds
There is no doubt that Brentford remain favourites given the current form spells towards the season end.
- Brentford Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- First Goal: Away
