On Saturday, 30th November 2024, at 15:00 GMT, Brentford welcomes Leicester City to the Gtech Community Stadium for a mid-table Premier League clash. Both teams aim to secure valuable points as they strive to improve their standings. With both sides demonstrating attacking flair but defensive vulnerabilities, this match promises to be an exciting affair.

Form Analysis: FC Brentford

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Brentford currently sits mid-table with 18 points after 13 matches. Their record includes five wins, three draws, and five losses. While they have netted 20 goals, their defence has been less convincing, conceding 19. Brentford’s performances at home have been a key factor in their success, where they’ve picked up most of their points.

In their last five matches, Brentford has shown mixed form, with two wins, two losses, and a draw. A recent 2-1 victory over Fulham showcased their attacking capabilities, particularly through Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. However, their defensive lapses were evident in a 1-3 loss to Brighton, where they struggled to deal with quick transitions.

Mbeumo remains Brentford’s standout player, contributing with goals and creativity. His partnership with Wissa in the attacking third has been crucial for Brentford’s offensive play. At the back, Ethan Pinnock and Ben Mee have provided solidity, but lapses in concentration have cost the team crucial points.

Form Analysis: Leicester City

Leicester City, recently promoted from the Championship, has adapted well to Premier League life and currently sits in 11th place with 19 points from 13 matches. Their record: five wins, four draws, and four losses. They have scored 18 goals while conceding 21, indicating a tendency for high-scoring games.

In their last five matches, Leicester has secured two wins, two draws, and one loss. A 3-2 victory over Sheffield United highlighted their attacking potential, with Kelechi Iheanacho leading the line effectively. However, a 1-4 defeat to Tottenham exposed defensive frailties, particularly against pacey forwards.

Iheanacho remains Leicester’s key attacking outlet, supported by James Maddison in midfield, who excels at creating chances. Defensively, Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard have struggled to maintain consistency, leaving Leicester vulnerable to teams that press high and exploit spaces in behind.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The last five meetings between Brentford and Leicester City have been evenly matched, with both teams winning twice and one game ending in a draw. Their most recent encounter in February 2023 ended 1-1, with both sides creating multiple chances but failing to capitalise on key moments.

Brentford tends to perform well at home against Leicester, leveraging their compact defence and counter-attacking style. However, Leicester’s technical midfield and Iheanacho’s clinical finishing make them a constant threat, especially in transition.

Tactical Analysis

Brentford will likely stick to their 4-3-3 formation, which allows them to transition quickly from defence to attack. Mbeumo and Wissa will be tasked with exploiting Leicester’s high defensive line, while Christian Nørgaard and Mathias Jensen will aim to control the midfield battles. Defensively, Pinnock and Mee will need to stay compact to deal with Iheanacho’s movement in the box.

Leicester City will probably adopt a 4-2-3-1 system, with Maddison pulling the strings in the attacking midfield role. Iheanacho’s ability to hold up play and bring others into the game will be crucial. On the flanks, Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton will look to stretch Brentford’s defence. However, Leicester must address their defensive vulnerabilities, especially when dealing with Brentford’s set-pieces.

Predicted Lineups

  • Brentford (4-3-3): Mark Flekken – Aaron Hickey, Ethan Pinnock, Ben Mee, Rico Henry – Christian Nørgaard, Mathias Jensen, Vitaly Janelt – Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Kevin Schade
  • Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Daniel Iversen – Ricardo Pereira, Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard, Luke Thomas – Wilfred Ndidi, Boubakary Soumaré – Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, Marc Albrighton – Kelechi Iheanacho

Betting Options and Odds

  1. Draw + Both Teams to Score (Odds: 3.60): Both teams have shown offensive strengths and defensive weaknesses, making a high-scoring draw a likely outcome.
  2. Over 2.5 Goals (Odds: 1.90): Given the attacking quality on display and defensive lapses, a game with three or more goals seems probable.
  3. Bryan Mbeumo to Score (Odds: 2.40): Mbeumo has been in fine form and is likely to find the net against Leicester’s shaky defence.

Betting Tip & Prediction: FC Brentford – Leicester City (30.11.2024)

This match is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both sides demonstrating their attacking strengths but struggling defensively. Brentford’s home advantage gives them a slight edge, but Leicester’s counter-attacking threat could balance the scales. Our betting tip: Draw + Both Teams to Score (Odds: 3.60). A realistic scoreline could be 2-2 or 1-1.