Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Bournemouth, Brentford, Premier League
Chris Stonadge
Bournemouth host Brentford as both sides look to make a return to winning ways in the Premier League.
After what seems like the world’s longest international break, the top division is back in action - with two of the league’s surprise packages facing off against each other.
Long admired for their scouting system and elite style of football, Thomas Frank’s Brentford arguably earned their greatest Premier League result with a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United in August.
But since, it’s been a little inconsistent for the Bees and they find themselves in ninth with two wins, three draws and two losses.
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Bournemouth are still the bookies' favourites to go down, after not adding to the squad in a manner seeing fit for the Premier League in the summer window.
Scott Parker was sacked after a 9-0 thrashing at Anfield, with the shadow of doomed relegation already seeming to assemble on the south coast.
Gary O’Neil was given the job on a temporary basis, and what followed was not expected - that of positive results.
In his three games in charge, he is unbeaten - including a thrilling 3-2 victory at Nottingham Forest after trailing by two goals at half-time. He was nominated for September’s Manager of the Month award.
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Here is everything you need to know about Bournemouth v Brentford.
The game is not being televised live in the UK, but you can watch studio updates on BT Sport, Sky Sports and watch the highlights on the latter’s YouTube channel.
The match will kick off at 3pm from the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries will be without new signing Joe Rothwell who is still yet to play a minute for the club, with David Brooks recovering from a hamstring setback.
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Lloyd Kelly, Ben Pearson and Ryan Fredericks will be assessed by the Bournemouth medical staff but are also expected to miss out.
Thomas Frank will also be without some key men, with Christian Norgaard and Ethan Pinnock sidelined with injuries. Kean Lewis-Potter also will be missing after picking up an injury for England Under-21s. Mikkel Damsgaard is thought to be pushing for a start.
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