
There's a London match-up this Saturday as Fulham face Brentford at Craven Cottage looking to build on their narrow victory over Leeds last weekend. The Bees, however, will have a spring in their step after rescuing a point against Chelsea and beating Aston Villa in the EFL Cup. Nathan Joyes takes a closer look at the match.
It has been a slow but steady start for Marco Silva's Fulham this season, arguably made to look slightly better than the performances after their 1-0 win over Leeds. A bizarre own goal at the death saw Fulham record their first Premier League win of the season - but it's one they'll happily take.
Yet despite only getting off the mark last weekend, Fulham have only conceded four goals from their opening four matches, with well earned draws against Brighton and Man United setting the tone.
A 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge certainly won't make or break their season - and although Silva clearly wanted more bodies in the door - he's once again making his side difficult to beat. This, of course, will only bode well come May for the Cottagers.
After Brentford's first 45 minutes of the season saw them 3-0 down against Nottingham Forest, the early predictions that they would struggle looked to be true.
Yet they bounced back with not only a win against Aston Villa but dug deep to take a point off Chelsea last weekend in stoppage time. Throw in their two wins against Bournemouth and Aston Villa in the EFL Cup, Brentford have bounced back well.
The Bees did, however, fall short against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light - conceding in the 82nd and 96th minute. But overall, Brentford have pleasantly surprised many - and those relegation predictions aren't looking accurate at present.
Fulham have won three of the last five meetings, including a dramatic 3-2 away win last season. At Craven Cottage, Fulham won 2-1, completing the double over their rivals.
Brentford have won two of their last five trips against Fulham, and it's worth noting that four of the last five meetings at this venue has produced over 2.5 goals.
With Fulham (12/11 with Betfred) registering their first Premier League win of the season, Silva will want to make it back-to-back wins in front of their fans. However, Brentford (11/4 with Betway) won't go away easily. Nathan Joyes. Let’s look at the Premier League betting odds.
A derby can so often see form go out of the window, but both of these sides have performed well of late, and both Fulham and Brentford will fancy their chances on Sunday.
Leeds were clearly hoping to return to Yorkshire with a point - a side that hasn't scored from open play as of yet - and Fulham's defence will definitely be tested more this weekend.
Brentford are playing without fear. One poor half this season - right at the beginning - has looked out of place compared to what else they have shown since. Keith Andrews is working wonders considering the players Brentford have lost.
And with that in mind, an open game is expected. Both teams to score landed in both Premier League games last season - and it has landed in four of the last five at Craven Cottage - with the other still producing over 2.5 goals.
Marco Silva doesn't have the squad he wants - and the visitors will be looking to prove he's right on Sunday. But the hosts have shown enough in front of goal that they can worry a new-look defence.
An early goal should set the tone, but the bookmakers have underestimated not only the fixture, but what Brentford can achieve on the road.
TIP: Both teams to score at 4/5 with BetMGM.
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