Brentford vs Brighton Preview: Team News & Prediction
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We have an all-Moneyball affair between Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion, with owners Matthew Benham and Tony Bloom known for their rivalry with each other.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Peacock
Brentford preview: Buzzing Bees
Brentford come into this one on the back of a slender 1-0 defeat of sixth-tier Macclesfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Moss Rose last weekend, courtesy of a late own goal scored by Macc centre-back Sam Heathcote.
The Bees have enjoyed a surprisingly excellent campaign as they chase European qualification, having managed to not only deal with, but perhaps even excel after their turbulent summer last year with plenty of key departures both on and off the pitch.
Brighton preview: Sliding Seagulls
Brighton and Hove Albion, on the other hand, appear to be in a very difficult position with the pressure growing on manager Fabian Hurzeler, despite the Seagulls sitting firmly in the middle-of-the-table ahead of the weekend.
Albion come into this one on the back of a 3-0 loss at Anfield against Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup last weekend, extending their current winless run of form to six matches across all competitions.
Brentford team news: Schade returns
In his pre-match press conference, Keith Andrews suggested that both Jordan Henderson and Igor Thiago will be involved this weekend after more or less being rested against Macclesfield.
The Bees are also able to welcome back Kevin Schade from his three-match suspension but midfield trio Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo and Josh Dasilva are sidelined.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Van den Berg, Henry; Henderson, Janelt; Ouattara, Jensen, Lewis-Potter; Thiago
Unavailable: Milambo (Injured), Dasilva (Injured), Carvalho (Injured)
Questionable:
Brighton team news: March could return
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that long-term absentee Solly March could return to the squad in London this week after completing training for the full week.
However, they remain without Sweden international midfielder Yasin Ayari, albeit the former Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City loanee should return to training next week.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Dunk, Van Hecke, De Cuyper; Gross, Baleba; Minteh, Gomez, Mitoma; Welbeck
Unavailable: Webster (Injured), Ayari (Injured), Tzimas (Injured)
Questionable: March (Fitness)
Brentford vs Brighton prediction
These two sides have more or less mirrored each other in terms of their progress and journeys in the last decade or so, but there is now finally a divergence this time around. Brentford appear as though they, with their aggressive and physical approach, can crash into Europe this season and their home form has been excellent. Brighton are verging into disarray and look toothless so a home win is to be expected.
Brentford vs Brighton tip: Brentford to win
