Brentford vs Fulham tips and predictions: Goalscoring trend to continue in West London clash

The Bees were beaten 1-0 by Everton last time out on a day when both sides confirmed they’ll play Premier League football again next season.

Thomas Frank’s side will host to Fulham on Saturday, another side with nothing to play for, so it isn’t beyond either side to claim bragging rights.

Just five miles separate the two London clubs and if that wasn’t motivation enough, Brentford ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in the reverse fixture.

Tim Ream was given his marching orders that day which contributed to the Cottagers collapsing, yet they’ve got a strong record against fellow London clubs this season.

Marco Silva’s team are one of three to take four or more points off of Arsenal this season. They’ve also taken six points from West Ham, held Crystal Palace twice and beaten Tottenham.

Their form has taken a dip recently as they’ve won just one of six, which doesn’t match up well to Brentford’s run of one defeat in six, but this fixture has become hard to predict.

For whatever reason, some teams just produce classics, and that’s exactly what these two have done, with three of the last four meetings finishing 3-2.

Either side of that, the Bees ran out 3-0 winners in the League Cup and 2020 and earlier this season, so there’s a history of goals in this fixture.

Brentford’s defence has struggled for most of this season. It was particularly poor when shipping 30 goals in 12 matches between Christmas and April, but lately, their attack has found its mojo.

After drawing 3-3 with Aston VIla, Frank’s team beat Sheffield United 2-0 and put five past Luton in a relegation showdown.

 

Team news

Josh Dasilva, Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry and Ben Mee are unavailable.

Neal Maupay was ineligible to face Everton and will likely remain on the sidelines to allow Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney to continue.

Fulham have no injury concerns ahead of the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.

Goalscorer Rodrigo Muniz should retain his place but Bobby Decordova-Reid could make way for Willian.

 

Key stats

- There have been over 2.5 goals in each of the last five meetings
- There have been over 2.5 goals in 12 of Brentford’s 17 home matches
- Brentford’s matches have averaged 3.55 goals since Christmas
- There have been over 2.5 goals in 10 of Fulham’s last 13 matches
- There have been 40 goals in Fulham’s last 11 away matches

 

Suggested bets

Both teams score & over 2.5 goals

Fulham +0.25 Asian handicap

Fulham to score first