Bournemouth vs Brentford: Preview, predictions and lineups

Bournemouth are aiming to end their three-game Premier League winless streak and boost their European hopes when they host Brentford on Saturday.

The Cherries have stumbled in their bid to secure continental football next season and were left frustrated last weekend as they surrendered a two-goal lead at Tottenham Hotspur, forced to accept a draw that leaves them in ninth. However, victory on Saturday could see Bournemouth rise as high as sixth and offer a timely confidence boost.

Brentford seemingly have little on the line between now and the end of the season. The Bees will be hard pushed to make the European spots but have no fears over dropping into a relegation battle. Such circumstances will either see them take their foot off the gas or entertain with the handbrake off.

Andoni Iraola has masterminded an impressive revolution on the south coast but he’s been unable to conquer Thomas Frank on the touchline. He’s lost two and drawn one of three meetings with Brentford, including a 3-2 defeat in west London earlier this term.

Here is 90min’s guide to an intriguing affair.

Bournemouth vs Brentford head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Bournemouth’s extensive injury list has eased up over recent weeks and Iraola is now without just four players for Brentford’s visit. Enes Unal is missing for the rest of the season, joined on the sidelines by defenders Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith and Julian Araujo.

Evanilson has made an encouraging return in recent matches and has now scored in successive games. The Brazilian has displaced makeshift striker Dango Ouattara to make up an impressive forward quartet.

James Hill stepped in at centre-back against Spurs last time out but Illia Zabarnyi should return to the starting lineup having served his suspension.

Bournemouth predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.

Brentford have a litany of injury concerns and are still without Fabio Carvalho, Aaron Hickey, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago and Joshua Dasilva. Rico Henry and Sepp van den Berg are struggling with fitness issues, too, with neither expected to return this weekend.

Winter signing Michael Kayode missed the defeat to Aston Villa last weekend with a knock but should be available as part of the travelling squad this time around.

Frank is unlikely to make many changes from the team that were beaten by the Villans, but he will expect a more cohesive display.

Brentford predicted lineup vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa.

Bournemouth desperately need to get back to winning ways this weekend but will have to end their Brentford hoodoo in the process. Iraola’s side have the ability to do exactly that with the attacking talent at their disposal.

The Cherries are not fantastic defensively, however, and are likely to offer Brentford encouragement. The Bees are in good form on their travels and will make life difficult for their hosts.

It’s likely to be a tight but entertaining affair at the Vitality Stadium.

Prediction: Bournemouth 3-2 Brentford

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