Bournemouth host Brentford on Saturday in a first ever Premier League meeting between both clubs. Neither side has shown much cohesion at the back and given the quality going forward, goals can be expected here.
It is only October but Bournemouth's return to the Premier League has been a rollercoaster. They suffered one of the worst defeats in Premier League history, fired their manager but are somehow still sitting just outside the top 10.
Interim boss Gary O’Neil has done a fine job since replacing Scott Parker and has managed to keep Bournemouth unbeaten in their last three matches. However, they have only claimed one win in that run, a 3-2 victory at Nottingham Forest.
The win at Nottingham Forest highlights a defensive vulnerability that has plagued Bournemouth all season as they were breached twice. That problem was again evident in their last Premier League fixture as they let slip a second half lead in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
Brentford have made a better start to the season than Bournemouth, with the highlight a 4-0 victory over Manchester United. They are currently in the top half of the table.
The Bees have been plagued by inconsistency this term with just two wins from their opening seven Premier League matches. Thomas Frank’s men were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal in their previous fixture, in a performance that highlighted a vulnerable defence that has kept just one clean sheet all season.
One positive for Brentford, despite their inconsistency, is that they have shown their class in front of goal time and time again. Ivan Toney has been the shining light this season having found the net six times already with only Erling Haaland scoring more goals.
How the bookies view it
Brentford have the edge among the bookies with a win priced at 6/5 with bet365. A victory for Bournemouth is valued at 5/2 by SBK who are also offering odds of 5/2 for a draw.
Recent head to head
Brentford have a 4-2 advantage from the last six fixtures with Bournemouth. Both teams claimed a home victory in their last two meetings with the Cherries wining 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium before the Bees claimed a 3-1 victory at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Players to watch
Dominic Solanke is still struggling to find his feet in the Premier League having scored just once so far. However, he remains a major attacking threat and given Brentford's defensive problems, could be backed to find the net on Saturday at 23/10 with Paddy Power.
Much of Brentford’s attacking play goes through Ivan Toney, who will once again be the one to watch. He has six goals already this season and having also been on target in his last appearance against Bournemouth, could be backed to get on the score sheet on Saturday at 15/8 with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
Four of the last six fixtures between Bournemouth and Brentford has produced over 2.5 goals and a similar outcome is priced at 21/20 by William Hill. There were over 3.5 goals in the most recent meeting and a repeat is valued at 5/2 with Bet365.
Both teams have had a few late showings in recent weeks and could be backed to score in the second half at 12/5 with bet365.
This English Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brentford will be played on Oct 1, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best AFC Bournemouth vs Brentford prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Btts & over 2.5 goals knocked me out!