Brentford failed to earn points in away matches against Manchester City and Tottenham. But they showed a good game and managed to score a quick goal to each of the favorites. Now Brentford have an opportunity to correct the situation and get back at the crisis neighbors at home stadium.
West Ham, having no time to recover from the raggy defeat to Chelsea, received an even bigger hit in the League Cup from Liverpool. A fifth match without a win in a row will be a complete failure. Lopetegui needs to somehow bring his team to its senses, it is falling apart literally in front of his eyes.
This should have been a match between two roughly equal teams. But West Ham are in terrible shape. The sad state of the visitors, as a minus, may even outweigh the abundance of injuries the hosts are facing. Thomas Frank is bailing out some things with the help of healthy players. But Lopetegui, who has a very potent squad, has not been able to do anything so far. West Ham will be tired and unlikely to bounce back from the beating they took in the League Cup.