Europe-chasing Brentford welcome relegation battling Southampton to Gtech Community Stadium.
Victory could see Brentford climb to sixth if Fulham and Brighton both fail to win elsewhere this weekend, whilst Southampton can climb out of the relegation zone with a win if results elsewhere go in their favour.
Team News
Brentford have no fresh injury concerns to report as Pontus Jansson, Frank Onyeka (both hamstring) and Shandon Baptiste (adductor) look to return.
Southampton manager, Nathan Jones could hand Deadline Day signings, Paul Onuachu and Kamaldeen Sulemana their first starts for the club.
Kyle Walker-Peters (hamstring), Moussa Djenepo (concussion) and Alex McCarthy (knee) are doubts but Valentino Livramento (knee) and Juan Larios (adductor) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Brentford will face Southampton at Gtech Community Stadium at 3pm GMT on Saturday 4 February, albeit untelevised in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Brentford have won one of two previous Premier League meetings against Southampton (W1, L1).
- Southampton lost 3-0 in their only previous Premier League visit to Brentford in May 2022 (L1).
- The team playing at home has scored first in each of the two previous Premier League meetings between Brentford and Southampton.
- 10 of Ivan Toney’s league goals for Brentford this season has been scored on his right foot compared to two goals on his left foot and one headed goal.
- Two of James Ward-Prowse’s five league goals for Southampton this season has been scored from free-kicks.
Prediction
With a quiet transfer window amidst chase of European qualification and having had two weeks off following a goalless draw at Leeds, Brentford should certainly be ready to hit the ground running if they can sort out their end product which was their only uncharacteristic weakness last time out.
Southampton meanwhile will be eager to respond to their midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle, where they were sluggish in the first half and deservedly punished but great credit for how they battled back with a consolatory goal and strong second-half.
Nathan Jones and his Saints though have to now mentally regroup and extract the positives of that tie if want to stay up, in-turn quickly applying those qualities into this game because Brentford will be ready to dish out the same if the visitors are sluggish.
I however do think that Southampton this time might have enough in them to snatch a draw if they can tighten up and avoid another slow lengthy start, although the early stages will be absolutely vital if the Bees fly straight out of the blocks.
Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Southampton
Result: Brentford 3-0 Southampton
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