Fulham vs Brentford Predictions

• Brentford have lost all four of their away trips this term, scoring in three
• The Bees have seen BTTS in each of their last nine in all competitions
• Fulham have won two of their four home games

Away woes for Brentford

Brentford progressed to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in midweek off the back of a 4-3 win over Ipswich last weekend, but their positives have all come at home this term. The Bees have lost all four of their Premier League trips this season, following on from their 12 defeats in 19 trips last season.

That presents an opportunity for Fulham, who have failed to win in three after conceding a late equaliser at Everton last weekend. The Cottagers have taken seven points from their opening four home games this term, so they should be well-placed to punish their neighbours.

Can Cottagers shut out the Bees?

Brentford have been the league’s entertainers in recent weeks, with 15 goals scored across their victories over Ipswich and Wolves. Both teams have scored in their last nine matches, while they racked up 9.1 Expected Goals across their last three league outings.

The Bees are creating chances, but they’ve been helped with a kind start at home which has seen them host each of the bottom four sides ahead of the weekend fixtures. Fulham have posted some solid underlying defensive numbers, facing just 4.2 xG across their last four matches – which featured meetings with Man City and Aston Villa.

The Cottagers have still managed just one clean sheet this term and shutouts are a rarity in the Premier League this term. Meanwhile, Brentford’s only blank this term came at Liverpool, scoring in defeats at City, Tottenham and Man United. They can carry on that scoring streak, but their defensive issues should lead to another defeat.

Smith-Rowe primed to bounce back

Brentford have the worst defensive record of any side in the top-half after nine matches, shipping 18 goals this term. Their numbers roughly line-up with an xG against of 15.4 and they’ve offered opponents far too many chances so far.

The Bees have conceded more shots on target (61) than any other Premier League side this season. The Bees have also conceded from 16% of their shots faced, suggesting that they’re letting opponents get into good positions.

Marco Silva’s Fulham have a solid set-up with some good options in the final third. Emile Smith-Rowe was signed from Arsenal in the summer to add quality at that end of the pitch. He failed to have a shot in tricky clashes with the Manchester clubs and Villa, but he’s had 14 efforts across his other six matches, scoring twice – with both of those goals coming at home.

The midfielder had a couple of shots at Everton last week and was credited with an assist for Alex Iwobi’s goal. He was more involved at Goodison after a couple of quieter weeks and that sees him priced quite well to score against a Brentford side that offer opponents too many openings.