Prediction: Wolves vs Brentford

Verdict: Wolves win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides who are looking to extend on their respective FA Cup adventures in midweek, Wolves will welcome Brentford to Molineux for a second leg showdown on Tuesday night.

Wolves

Starting with the hosts, mounting an FA Cup comeback away at Brentford last week as they snatched a 1-1 stalemate in west London, the mood in Wolves’ camp should be at a real high. Continuing to shine since they appointed Gary O’Neil over the summer, the former Bournemouth boss now has his sights set on securing a shock top-half finish come May. Signing off 2023 with a stellar performance at Molineux as they breezed their way to a 3-0 romp against Everton, Wolves have won all of their previous three Premier League appearances. Skyrocketing up the table and finding a recent clinical edge in the final third, O’Neil’s men have lost just one of their last seven meetings against Premier League opposition. Likewise, gaining a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil, the Wanderers have not tasted a single defeat in front of their own supporters since way back on September 16th.

Team News

Shown a first leg red card in west London last weekend, Wolves will be unable to call upon the suspended Joao Gomes on Tuesday night. After missing back-to-back appearances on either side of opening the New Year, it remains to be seen if Gabon international Mario Lemina will play in part at Molineux.

In what looks set to be a massive boost for O’Neil’s side here, attacking talisman Pedro Neto could make a first start since the end of October. Despite notching just a single strike since back on November 4th, ex-Strasbourg striker Jean-Ricner Bellegarde should keep his spot leading Wolves’ charge.

Brentford

As for the visitors, although Brentford might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign with their sights set on punching another top-half finish, Thomas Frank’s side find themselves at the heart of a real struggle. Signing off 2023 with another worrying performance as they slumped to a 3-1 drumming at the hands of Crystal Palace, the Bees are firmly looking over their shoulder and currently hold just a three-point buffer from slipping into the relegation zone. In fact, along with failing to win any of their previous six meetings against Premier League opposition, Brentford have just a single domestic win to their name since way back on November 4th. Facing what looks set to be a stern challenge when they travel to Molineux in midweek, Frank will have a major headache over his side’s extended issues on the road. It should be highlighted, Tuesday’s guests have lost all of their last four showdowns outside of west London by an aggregate score of 9-2.

Team News

While England international Ivan Toney might be able to return from his nine-month suspension this month, the one-time Newcastle starlet will not feature here. Likewise, still dealing with a stacked injury list, Brentford are still set to be without Bryan Mbeumo, Aaron Hickey, Kevin Schade and Rico Henry.

Away with Congo at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Yoane Wissa will not feature on Tuesday night. However, finding the net in two of his previous four appearances against Premier League opposition, ex-Hull starlet Keane Lewis-Potter should keep his place here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Wolves and Brentford met for their FA Cup first leg last week, Tuesday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate in west London.
• Wolves are unbeaten in all of their previous five meetings against Brentford across all competitions.
• O’Neil’s side have not suffered a single defeat across any competition at Molineux since way back on September 16th.
• Brentford have lost seven of their last nine meetings against Premier League opposition.
• The Bees have also lost all of their last four showdowns on the road by an aggregate score of 9-2.

Conclusion

Mounting an FA Cup comeback away in west London last week, Wolves should be confident of finishing off the job here. Only continuing on what has been a real Premier League romp, O’Neil’s side will also be excited by their extended success on home soil. Unbeaten in all of their last eight straight showdowns at Molineux, Tuesday’s hosts will certainly be smelling a golden opportunity in midweek. With Brentford losing all of their last four contests outside of west London by an aggregate score of 9-2, we are backing Wolves to extend on their FA Cup adventure here.

Verdict: Wolves win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Dachbet