Brentford vs Bolton Predictions

Months ago, this wouldn’t have seemed like a relegation clash. Brentford under Dean Smith were seen as genuine contenders for a top-two finish. Meanwhile, Bolton were outside of the bottom three and defying all expectations. While off-field issues raged on, the visitors managed to stay out of danger. However, a turn has changed both clubs’ seasons, meaning this contest has a very different feel.

The hosts were beaten again at the weekend, as they lost 2-0 away at Hull. That defeat leaves them just three points clear of the relegation spots, months after they sat top of the Championship. The Bees have won once in their last 16 matches, something we went into in our latest Championship review. That’s left them in danger of dropping into the third tier, just as they started to look like an established side in this division. Thomas Frank hasn’t been able to fix a run of form which started before Smith departed for Aston Villa, making this a surprise relegation six-pointer.

The visitors head to Griffin Park second from bottom, following a loss to leaders Leeds last weekend. Like Brentford, the away side have an awful record in their recent outings. They’re 12 games without a victory overall, while they’ve gone nine matches without a win on their travels. The Trotters have lost three of their last four trips, but will they be able to turn things around in this trip south?

The hosts have been priced up as the favourites for this clash, despite their poor recent form at home. While Brentford have been dropping down the standings, this seems to be their chance to turn things around. They have won three straight clashes with Bolton, and the visitors have already been beaten five times on the road this term – 12 times overall in 22 matches.

We think home advantage will bring a victory for the hosts – with their only other win under Frank coming against third bottom side Millwall. The hosts have lost 2-0 on three occasions on the road, with 73% of their trips seeing fewer than 2.5 goals scored. Given that Brentford have seen under 3.5 goals in 64% of their home games, we’re going with the Bees to win and under 3.5 goals in the match as our pick for this one. We’re also backing a fourth 2-0 home win of the campaign for the hosts.