Prediction: West Ham vs Brentford

Verdict: Brentford double chance

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to spring an upset across the capital on Friday night, Brentford will make the trip to the London Stadium when they meet a struggling West Ham.

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, throwing away the lead away at Arsenal on Boxing Day and eventually getting hit with a 3-1 drumming, West Ham find themselves in the midst of a Premier League nightmare. Despite gaining plenty of praise last season on their famous Europa League run, David Moyes’ men have come crashing back down to earth in some style. Now at the heart of a relegation scrap, the one-time Everton boss finds a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Now looking like a genuine bottom-three contender, the Hammers face what is a must-win showdown on Friday night. However, heading into the World Cup break with a deserved 2-0 loss at home against Leicester, West Ham have now lost each of their last four Premier League outings – their worst top-flight run in over three years. Likewise, losing five of their previous six top-tier showdowns, Moyes’ downbeat squad could face another tough test here.

Team News

Missing out against Arsenal on Boxing Day with an ankle injury, Italian international Gianluca Scamacca is once again a major doubt here. Michail Antonio should lead West Ham’s charge on Friday night.

The Hammers have already confirmed that summer arrival Maxwel Cornet will also not feature here after suffering an injury set-back during the World Cup break. Craig Dawson could once again partner Thilo Kehrer in central defence.

Brentford

As for the visitors, left frustrated to have thrown away their own half-time lead earlier in the week, Brentford will be seeking an immediate response here. While the Bees might have struggled to find much stability on either side of the World cup break, they still have a top-half finish at the top of their agenda in 2023. Continuing to gain plenty of praise for their attacking approach under Thomas Frank, Friday’s guests should be smelling the chance to lay down a marker across the capital. Heading into the festive interval with a stunning last-gasp 2-1 victory away at Manchester City last month, Brentford should also be excited by an eye-catching record against the Hammers. In fact, including a 2-1 win when they made the trip to the London Stadium 14 months ago, Frank’s side claimed back-to-back Premier League victories against West Ham last season. Impressing in their 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Boxing Day, the west London outfit should be fancying their chances.

Team News

Once again finding the net in Boxing Day’s 2-2 draw against Spurs, Ivan Toney will once again spearhead Brentford’s charge on Friday night. The ex-Newcastle starlet will be joined in attack by Bryan Mbeumo.

However, the Bees will be without the injured defensive duo of Kristoffer Ajer and Aaron Hickey here. Likewise, Frank Onyeka face a late fitness test at the London Stadium.

Key Factors to Consider

• Including a 2-1 victory when they made the trip to the London Stadium 14 months ago, Brentford claimed back-to-back wins against West Ham last season.
• The Hammers have lost each of their last four Premier League outings on either side of the World Cup break.
• Likewise, Moyes’ men have also collected just three points from their last six top-flight contests.
• Brentford’s Ivan Toney has racked up 12 strikes across all competitions so far this season.
• Nine of the Bees’ last 10 Premier League away fixtures have seen over 1.5 goals by the final whistle.

Conclusion

While Brentford might be tipped as an underdog pick on Friday night, the Bees will be looking to cash in on a West Ham side who are in the midst of a Premier League nightmare. Now at the heart of a relegation scrap, the Hammers have lost each of their last four straight top-flight contests. Likewise, mustering just three points from their last six attempts, Moyes’ side could face a tough test at the London Stadium. Suffering a 2-1 loss when they welcomed Brentford across the capital 14 months ago, it should be noted that Frank’s men claimed back-to-back Premier League wins against the bottom-three scrapers last season. With Brentford last seen on the road clinching a famous 2-1 victory against defending champions Manchester City, we’re backing an away double chance here.

Verdict: Brentford double chance

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet