Brentford vs Wolverhampton Wanderers prediction
Brentford
Brentford embarked on this season without Thomas Frank, who nurtured the team since their Championship days. However, unlike what one might expect from such a departure, it hasn't been a tragedy for the club. Their new figurehead, Kit Andrews, has seamlessly settled in with the red and white army, and they are enjoying a season that is arguably as successful as the last. Currently standing 7th in the Premier League after a stalemate against Bournemouth, the 'Bees' have their sights firmly set on European competitions. Although they exited the FA Cup against West Ham after a 2-2 draw and a penalty shootout loss, they can now focus solely on the league. Players like Da Silva, Milambo, Carvalho, Janelt, Hickey, and Henry will miss the upcoming game against Wolverhampton.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton, with a daunting 99.9% likelihood of getting relegated to the Championship according to Opta, have been crippled by a disastrous start under Vitor Pereira. Only now, under Rob Edwards' guidance, are they making some headway away from the very bottom. Though they sit 13 points adrift of safety, with just eight rounds remaining, overturning such a gap seems improbable. Coming off the back of a doubleheader with Liverpool, where they shocked the league by beating the Reds 2-1 in the Premier League yet suffered a comprehensive 1-3 loss in the FA Cup, it remains to be seen if they can recover against Brentford. Unfortunately for them, Chevome and David will not be available for this game.
Prediction
In their Boxing Day clash earlier this season, Brentford comfortably dispatched their opponents with a 2-0 triumph. Given the home advantage, their battle for European spots, and playing at a ground where they are often at their best, a victory over the 'Wolves', who are almost certain to face the drop, seems a sound prediction for this fixture. Wolverhampton, with nothing left to lose, will surely open up, offering Brentford's attack, spearheaded by Igor Thiago, ample opportunities. My bet is not only on a win for the favorites but also for them to put at least two past the Premier League's cellar dwellers.
