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Match Preview
Premier
League: Brentford vs Nottingham Forest
Kickoff
Time: 2023-01-21 01:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/
CARL RECINE
Brentford’s
performance has suffered a decline in recent matches due to a series of
injuries. In their last eight league rounds, they have recorded only one win
and seven losses. During this period, their defense has been porous, conceding
numerous goals. Their sole victory came against Luton Town, a team in the
relegation zone, so that result was unconvincing. Currently, Brentford are only
one point ahead of the relegation zone and are beginning to feel the pressure
of potential relegation. To address their situation, Brentford have been active
in the winter transfer window. They have recruited midfielder Yunus Emre Konak
from Turkish Super League team Sivasspor and have also secured the loan signing
of defender Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham Hotspur, indicating their focus on
strengthening the defense. Before this upcoming game, Brentford received a
significant boost as last season’s Premier League bronze boot winner, Ivan
Toney, returned to the team. Toney is a key player in Brentford’s forward line
and is often considered one of the most underrated stars in the Premier League
by the media. Previously, Toney had been suspended since May of the previous
year for violating the Premier League’s anti-gambling regulations. In a
pre-match interview, Toney expressed that his current form is even better than
before the suspension and he is determined to give his best to help the club
overcome their struggles and avoid relegation.
In
late December of the previous year, Nottingham Forest underwent a coaching
change, appointing former Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo as their new
manager. They experienced an immediate turnaround under his leadership,
securing victories over Newcastle United and Manchester United, and progressing
to the fourth round of the FA Cup. The overall performance of them showed signs
of improvement. However, Nottingham Forest faced a setback due to the African
Cup of Nations in January. Six players
are called up to their respective national
teams, with five of them are
key players. This included right back Serge Aurier, center back Willy Boly,
center-back Moussa Niakhate, full-back Ola Aina, and defensive midfielder
Ibrahim Sangare. As a result, Nottingham Forest’s midfield and defense are facing the challenge of reorganization during this period. To compound their
difficulties, they are accused by the
Premier League of breaching financial regulations during the mid-week.
Nottingham Forest acknowledged the accusation and expressed their willingness
to cooperate in resolving the issue. This suggests two consequences. Firstly,
it is likely that they will face fines or point deductions as a result.
Secondly, the club may need to raise funds through player sales, which could
potentially impact the morale of the players.
Both
sides played FA Cup match in midweek, but
Nottingham Forest have one less day of
rest. The return of key players for Brentford can further strengthen their
prospects, while Nottingham facing challenges such as player absences and
financial troubles. Considering these factors, it is reasonable to believe that
Brentford will have a good
opportunity to bounce back and can secure all three points in the game.
Brentford’s
Last 5 Games: DDLLL
24-01-17
Wolves 2-2 Brentford (AET 3-2)
24-01-06
Brentford 1-1 Wolves
23-12-30
Crystal Palace 3-1 Brentford
23-12-28
Brentford 1-4 Wolves
23-12-17
Brentford 1-2 Aston Villa
Nottingham
Forest’s Last 5 Games: DDWWL
24-01-18
Blackpool 2-2 Nottingham Forest (AET 2-3)
24-01-07
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
23-12-31
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United
23-12-26
Newcastle United 1-3 Nottingham Forest
23-12-23
Nottingham Forest 2-3 Bournemouth
Head
To Head Record:
23-10-01
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford
23-04-29
Brentford 2-1 Nottingham Forest
22-11-05
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Brentford
21-03-20
Brentford 1-1 Nottingham Forest
20-12-12
Nottingham Forest 1-3 Brentford
Prediction: Brentford to win