Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the EFL Cup match.
Brentford are adjusting to life after Thomas Frank’s departure and the sale of two strikers, but they have coped admirably in the Premier League. Now comes a different test in the second round of the EFL Cup against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Liverpool (2:4) with a narrow 1:0 home win over Wolverhampton. Marcus Tavernier’s fourth-minute strike proved decisive, and Wolverhampton’s red card for a last-man foul made things easier. Despite having a man advantage for almost an entire half, the team failed to add to their lead. Their attacking intensity dipped, producing just 0.57 xG in the second half compared to 0.72 xG in the first.
Brentford
Interestingly, the two clubs are connected through Dango Ouattara. Bournemouth sold him to Brentford for almost €43m, and the winger delivered his new side’s first league win of the season — a 1:0 success over Aston Villa. His speed and sharp finishing turned a simple long ball into the match-winner. Brentford needed only nine shots, with two on target, underlining their efficiency.
Bournemouth vs Brentford Prediction
Both sides have shown they can grind out 1:0 home wins, while struggling more away. However, Brentford’s system remains intact under interim boss Keith Andrews, Frank’s long-time assistant. And recent history matters: Brentford have beaten Bournemouth (2:1) at the Vitality Stadium in each of the last two seasons.
