AFTER a weekend of FA Cup shocks, non-league Barnet will be looking to provide a final sting in the tail in this battle of the Bees.
Having dumped Championship high-fliers Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the last round, they will fancy their chances of claiming another scalp at home to Brentford.
Recent FA Cup history suggests another famous victory could be on the cards as it was only two seasons ago when two non-league sides, Lincoln and Sutton United, reached the fifth round.
But with Brentford relatively safe in the Championship, 11 points clear of third-bottom Reading, they won’t view the FA Cup as an unwanted distraction.
Thomas Franks’ side are also in good form, having followed up their victory over Oxford in the last round with league wins over Stoke and Rotherham.
That made it seven games unbeaten in all competitions so Brentford won’t be lacking confidence for this tricky tie.
They’ve been a streaky side all season, having gone nine games without a win earlier in the season on the back of three successive victories.
And I can see them winning this one, especially with Barnet having to play without suspended goalkeeper Mark Cousins.
He was harshly sent off in their last league game with Braintree and serves his ban in the Cup, meaning teenage Latvian keeper Rihards Matrevics will make his full debut.
When young goalies get thrown in at the deep end they usually have a nightmare or play a blinder and Barnet fans will be hoping it’s the latter.
Sadly for Barnet boss Darren Currie, who has just been named permanent manager, his selection worries don’t end there.
Key midfielder Charlee Adams is also banned after two yellow cards earlier in the FA Cup while Medy Elito and Josh Walker were stretchered off in last week’s 4-0 loss to Braintree.
That all points to this being a game too far for Barnet, although you can’t rule out the magic of the FA Cup inspiring Currie’s patchwork side to another famous win.
Brentford have midfielders Emiliano Marcondes and Lewis Macleod injured while defender Chris Mepham has been sold to Bournemouth but they should still have enough quality to win here.
Sadly, they are a best 1/6 with several firms but you can stretch the odds to 29/10 (Unibet and 888 Sport) by backing them to win both halves. A Brentford win with both teams to score also looks good at 5/2 with Bet365.
Both teams scored penalties to seal 1-0 wins in the last round so it could be worth backing another spot-kick to be awarded here at 10/3 with William Hill.
Barnet’s Dan Sweeney likes to put himself about in midfield and picks up plenty of yellow cards so I like the look him to be carded at 7/2 with William Hill.
Neil Maupay looks Brentford’s best bet for a goal but sadly he’s only evens with most firms for anytime scorer. So try Kamohelo Mokotjo, who scored twice in the 4-2 win over Rotherham, in the same market at an excellent 7/1 (Bet365).
If Barnet are to find to net, it will probably be livewire striker Shaquile Coulthirst who was excellent in the win over Sheffield United. The former Spurs kid is a best 7/2 with Betway.
This FA Cup match between Barnet and Brentford will be played on Jan 28, 2019 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Barnet vs Brentford prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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