Premier League | Gameweek 13

Nov 30, 2024 at 3pm UK

Brentford Community Stadium

Brentford vs Leicester

Match preview

Brentford have made a name for themselves as one of this season's Premier League entertainers, with an impressive 44 goals scored across the opening 11 games (22 for and 22 against). At least three goals were scored in nine of the 11 matches, while the net rippled twice in the remaining two.

However, there were no goals at Goodison Park last weekend, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw. Despite seeing Christian Norgaard sent off towards the end of the first half, Thomas Frank's side held on for a point. The dismissal was later overturned following a successful appeal.

After 12 matches, Brentford have five wins, two draws and five defeats, which puts them in 11th place in the Premier League table. They're eight points clear of the relegation zone and only six points behind an out-of-form Man City side in second place.

Brentford are one of three Premier League teams, along with Crystal Palace and Southampton, who haven't won away this season. They'll be looking to change that when they return to the Gtech Community Stadium, where they've picked up 16 points from a possible 18 available in their first six home games this term.

Brentford are aiming to win four Premier League home matches in a row for the first time this weekend, but they're up against a Leicester team they've failed to beat in each of their previous four top-flight meetings. The Bees have only faced Newcastle United (six) on more occasions without winning in the division.

Since winning the Championship title last season and getting promoted to the Premier League, Leicester have picked up 10 points from their first 12 games. They've won two, drawn four and lost six.

The Foxes suffered their third league loss in four matches last weekend when they were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at the King Power Stadium. This ultimately led to the departure of head coach Steve Cooper, who was surprisingly relieved of his duties on Monday after just five months in charge.

It seems that the decision to sack Cooper was taken because there are more concerns inside the club about Premier League safety and the team's performances in recent weeks. They've also conceded 14 goals in a five-game winless run in all competitions.

We're hearing that former Manchester United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has agreed to become Leicester's new manager. It's not yet clear whether the 48-year-old will be appointed in time for Saturday's trip to Brentford.

Leicester have had a tough time when they've been playing away from home in the Premier League. They've only won one of their last 13 top-flight games on the road. On the bright side, the Foxes have a good track record against Brentford. They've gone eight games unbeaten in the league (W5 D3) and haven't lost any of their last seven visits to the Bees in all competitions (W6 D1).

Recent Performance

Brentford Premier League form:WLWLWD

Brentford form (all competitions):LWWLWD

Leicester City Premier League form:WWLDLL

Leicester City form (all competitions):WLLDLL

Team News

Brentford will be without some key players for this game, including long-term absentees Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry (both knee) and Aaron Hickey (thigh). It's not yet clear if Kristoffer Ajer (foot) and Gustavo Nunes (back) will be able to play, but we'll know more ahead of kickoff.

After his red card from last weekend was overturned, Norgaard is set to continue in midfield alongside Vitaly Yanelt and Mathias Jensen, while a back four of Sepp van den Berg, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock and Keane Lewis-Potter could also remain intact.

Igor Thiago finally made his long-awaited debut for the Bees as a substitute against Everton. The summer signing from Club Brugge is in contention to feature again this weekend, although it seems unlikely he'll start. So Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Mikkel Damsgaard should all continue in attack.

It's not yet clear how Leicester will line up if Van Nistelrooy takes charge, but Abdul Fatawu (ACL), Ricardo Pereira (thigh) and Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle) are all still out with injuries.

Harry Winks had to leave the pitch after just 11 minutes in the match against Chelsea because of a groin injury. He's now a major doubt for the trip to the capital. It looks like Oliver Skipp could be called back up to the midfield.

Facundo Buonanotte is back after serving a one-match ban last time out. He could start either as an advanced midfield or on the right flank, which would mean Kasey McAteer, who was handed his first Premier League start last weekend, would be benched.

Possible starting lineup

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Flekken; Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Wissa, Damsgaard

Leicester City possible starting lineup:

Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Skipp, Ndidi, Soumare; Buonanotte, Vardy, Mavididi