Match Pack: Brentford vs Saints
It’s matchday in the capital as Southampton travel to Brentford as they continue their bid for a top half finish in the Premier League. This and more in today’s Match Pack…
THE MATCH
Brentford vs Saints
Premier League
Brentford Community Stadium
Saturday 7th May, 3pm BST
THE OFFICIALS
Referee: Michael Salisbury.
Assistants: Lee Betts, Mark Scholes.
Fourth official: Jonathan Moss.
VAR: Lee Mason.
Assistant VAR: Wade Smith.
WHICH KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
Saints will be in their away kit for the trip to Brentford Community Stadium, wearing their yellow with blue trim top, blue shorts, and yellow socks.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
As the bid for a top ten finish ramps up, a huge three points are on offer as Saints travel to Brentford on Saturday.
Level on points and sitting side by side in the current Premier League standings, both sides remain just three points off of tenth place Newcastle heading into the final three games of the season.
Nominated for April’s manager of the month award, it was a hugely positive April for Thomas Frank before falling to a 3-0 defeat at Manchester United on Monday.
Claiming victories over Chelsea, West Ham, Watford as well as a draw with Tottenham in April alone, Brentford are undoubtedly looking to end their first season in the top division on a high.
It’s been a mixed few weeks for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men, who haven’t picked up a win since their impressive 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
Falling to an injury-time defeat to Crystal Palace last time out, there’s no doubt the visitors will be looking to right the wrongs of their recent performances.
Saints emerged victorious in the reverse fixture back in January, and will be looking to secure the double over their opposition on Saturday.
TEAM NEWS
Ethan Pinnock and Sergi Canos could return to the starting line-up for the hosts, while Frank Oyenka, Samn Ghoddos and Mathias Jorgensen are likely to miss out.
Saints have no fresh injury concerns, with Tino Livramento remaining the only long term absentee.
THE MANAGERS
Thomas Frank: To follow.
Ralph Hasenhüttl: "Every game there is something to prove and as a player, every game is a chance to show up and it is good to have arguments on your side. When you have good games in hand, it is never a bad thing and it definitely helps you for the future."
ONES TO WATCH
Christian Eriksen: Perhaps the Bees best player in their defeat to Manchester United, Eriksen is a powerhouse in midfield for the West London side, creating more chances [13] since his debut in March than any other Brentford player.
Nathan Tella: Earning his place in the starting XI against both Palace and Brighton, the youngster looks to build a good run of games making a definitive impact on Saints’ press.
Ivan Toney 14
Mbeumo, Wissa 8
Marcus Forss 6
Bryan Mbeumo 7
Ivan Toney 6
Saman Ghoddos 3
James Ward-Prowse 10
Armando Broja 9
Elyounoussi, Adams 8
James Ward-Prowse 8
Nathan Redmond 6
Elyounoussi, Walker-Peters 4
Played: 68
Brentford: 21
Draws: 13
Saints: 34
January 2022: Saints 4-1 Brentford (Bednarek, Broja, Adams)
September 2020: Saints 0-2 Brentford
April 2011: Brentford 0-3 Saints (Lallana, Connolly, Gobern)
December 2010: Saints 0-2 Brentford
January 2010: Brentford 1-1 Saints (James)
DID YOU KNOW?
- Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse has been involved in 14 Premier League goals this season (9 goals, 5 assists), his second best return in the competition after his 15 last term. His 68 chances created this season is also his most in a single Premier League campaign.
- Southampton have won their last two Premier League games in London, beating both West Ham and Tottenham by a 3-2 scoreline. Saints haven’t won three consecutive top-flight games in the capital since March 1985.
- Southampton are looking to complete their first league double over Brentford since 1954-55, following their 4-1 win at St Mary’s in January.
KEEP UP TO DATE
Can't make the game? We’ve got you covered! We’ll bring you all of the action from Brentford Community Stadium, as well as a host of behind-the-scenes access.
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