Motivated sides to share points
There will be no lack of incentive for either side when Brentford host West Ham on Saturday. While the Bees are fighting for a place in Europe, West Ham are battling to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Brentford go into the weekend ninth in the Premier League. At one stage they looked assured of European qualification, but a run of six games without a win has put this dream at risk.
Keith Andrews’ side drew five of those matches, before losing 2-1 in a competitive encounter at Manchester United on Monday=. They badly need to get back to winning ways, especially at home.
The Gtech Community Stadium was a fortress earlier in the season, with Brentford only losing one of their first 12 home games. However, in their last six home matches they have failed to claim a victory, drawing four times and losing twice.
West Ham have turned their season around in recent weeks. Having previously looked certain to be relegated, the Hammers have only lost three of their last 13,one of those on penalties, while claiming six wins and four draws.
As a result they go into this match in 17th position, two points and one place ahead of Tottenham Hotspur with four games remaining. Spurs travel to Aston Villa on Sunday night, which means that West Ham would take a huge step towards survival with a win on Saturday.
Yet with Brentford also scrapping, I think that the East Londoners will have to settle for a share of the spoils. The draw is priced at 11/4.