Brentford host Premier League rivals, Wolves at Gtech Community Stadium in the Third Round of 2023-24 FA Cup.
Thomas Frank’s Bees are looking to avoid consecutive Third Round exits for the first time since 2014-15 & 15-16 seasons, whilst Wolves likewise are looking to avoid the exact same fate for the first time since those two seasons.
Team News
Josh Dasilva is set to return for Brentford following his recovery from a lengthy hamstring injury.
Shandon Baptiste (foot) is a doubt for selection unless he is declared match fit.
Saman Ghoddos, Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa are all away on international duty at Africa Cup of Nations.
Kristoffer Ajer (foot), Rico Henry (knee), Bryan Mbeumo (ankle), Ben Mee (suspension), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Kevin Schade (adductor) and Ivan Toney (suspension) remain absent.
Wolves will be without Hwang Hee-chan, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Boubacar Traore after the trio were all called up for international duty.
Mario Lemina and Jonny remains absent for separate personal reasons.
When is Kick-Off?
Brentford host Wolves in a 7:15pm GMT kick-off at Gtech Community Stadium on Friday 5 January, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Brentford’s first-ever FA Cup meeting against Wolves.
- Wolves are visiting Brentford for the first time in any domestic cup competition, but are yet to lose in all competitions specifically at the Gtech Community Stadium (W2, D1).
- Ex Wolves midfielder, Ruben Neves scored in each of the Old Gold’s last two visits to Brentford.
- Since their promotion to the Premier League in Summer 2021, Brentford have lost their two FA Cup ties against top-flight rivals (L2), which came at the hands of Everton and West Ham.
- Wolves have won two of their last five away FA Cup matches against top-flight opposition (W2, D1, L2).
Prediction
Currently without several regulars due to injury and international call-ups, Brentford manager – Thomas Frank faces a headache because the fans deserve a cup run, yet their league form has been poor due to the nature of their injury crisis and a relegation fight is now likely.
This match is therefore a chance to hand youngsters like Ethan Brierley and Nathan Young-Coombes a chance alongside regulars like Zanka, Christian Norgaard and Keane Lewis-Potter, especially after their defensive collapase at Crystal Palace after an energetic early start.n
Wolves menwhile enjoyed a strong festive run which included a dominant win at Brentford but are without Hwang and Lemina – who scored three of Wolves’ four goals between them in that match, so other players like Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto must step up here.
Brentford though know that they must tighten up at the back but if Wolves can adapt quickly without Hwang’s presence, they certainly should have enough to take this back to Molineux at minimum if not take the win here if can get on top of the Bees’ vulnerable defence.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Wolves
Result: Brentford 1-1 Wolves