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Brentford vs Nottingham Forest predictions: Bees can exploit Forest's aerial frailty
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Simon Barlow
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Brentford have only lost twice at home in the Premier League this season
Brentford have only lost twice at home in the Premier League this season

- Nine of Brentford's 11 league wins in 2022-23 have been by more than one goal 
- Forest have lost four of their last six away PL games by more than one goal 
- Recommended bet: Back Brentford -1 on Handicap

Nottingham Forest's battle to stay in the Premier League faces a stern test from Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.

The Bees have lost only two Premier League home games this season and beat West London neighbours Chelsea in their own backyard on Wednesday night.

That 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, which manager Thomas Frank hailed as a "magic moment", halted a six-game winless run.

Forest had gone 11 games without victory until their own midweek success over Brighton, but the three points came at a price with Neco Williams and Moussa Niakate leaving the City Ground with injuries.

Team news

Steve Cooper has injury concerns to contend with
Steve Cooper has injury concerns to contend with

Frank made four changes on Wednesday with Mads Roerslev replacing Aaron Hickey at right wing-back and Mathias Jorgensen drafted in alongside Ethan Pinnock and Ben Mee in central defence.

The Danish coach has no reason to change the system for the visit of Forest, who also play with three at the back.

Frank Onyeka replaced the injured Christian Norgaard in midfield and should keep his place while Bryan Mbeumo could come back in to partner Ivan Toney in attack after impressing as an impact substitute.

As for Forest, manager Steve Cooper is sweating on the fitness of Williams and Niakhate after both men were forced off during Wednesday's 3-1 win over Brighton.

Niakhate was withdrawn in the first half with an apparent hamstring problem and looks extremely doubtful to feature this weekend.

Williams was taken to hospital with a facial injury after being stretchered off just past the hour mark following a collision with Brennan Johnson.

The stats

Brentford have scored the opening goal in nine of their last ten home games and would be fifth in the Premier League table based only on half-time scores.

Forest have lost six consecutive away games in the top division for the first time since December 1979.

Away from home in the Premier League this season, Forest have the fewest points (six), the joint-fewest number of wins (one), the fewest goals (five), the worst goal difference (-31) and the second-highest number of goals conceded (36).

Prediction

Brentford's winless run was just starting to get a little concerning for Frank even if his team were already assured of their place in the top flight next season.

The Bees want to beat last season's finish of 13th place and will look to keep their momentum going against the relegation-threatened visitors this weekend.

Steve Cooper's side will not be in great shape after losing more key players to injury on Wednesday night and the loss of another central defender is a major blow — particularly when coming up against a team that will look for aerial mismatches.

Forest's vulnerability in the air is becoming more evident by the week and they can be exploited on crosses and set-pieces by a Brentford side that have scored 13 set-pieces goals this term.

Frank's men have the goal power to ensure they win by more than one goal, as they have done in nine of their 11 total league victories to date.

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BrentfordNottingham ForestPremier League
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