Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Wolves vs Brentford
Kickoff Time: 2024-02-10 23:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/ ANDREW COULDRIDGE
Wolves have experienced a resurgence recently, earning 13 points in
their last six league matches and advancing to the top 16 of the FA Cup by
eliminating West Bromwich Albion. Their success can be attributed to their
advanced tactics. In attack, Wolves excel at utilizing individual dribbling
skills to create quick counterattacking opportunities, averaging 10.7 dribbles
per game, which is the highest in the Premier League. Defensively, they employ
a high-pressure pressing strategy and tactical fouls to disrupt the opponent’s
offensive rhythm. They average 19.2 steals per game, ranking sixth in the
Premier League, and commit an average of 12.7 fouls per game, which is the
third-highest in the league. However, it is unfortunate that South Korean star
Hee-chan Hwang has just returned from the Asian Cup and may miss some games due
to his fitness not being at its best. Hwang has been a crucial contributor to
their success, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in the league,
accounting for 35% of their goals. He is considered the offensive powerhouse.
One area of concern for Wolves is their lack of impactful substitutes who can
change the course of a game. In their recent away match against Chelsea, for
example, their bench only consisted of two young strikers, Tawanda Chirewa and
Nathan Fraser, which limited their options and made the situation more
challenging.
Since the return of Ivan Toney, Brentford’s offensive prowess has been
revitalized, scoring six goals in the past three league matches. Prior to
Toney’s comeback, they had only managed to score four goals in the previous
five league rounds. Toney has formed a forward partnership with Neal Maupay,
combining their different strengths of height and speed. To provide maximum
support to their attacking duo, head coach Thomas Frank has implemented a 3-5-2
formation, which focuses on midfield confrontation and aims to create
counterattacking opportunities by strengthening interceptions in the midfield
and forward areas. Brentford’s average of 9.7 interceptions per game ranks them
third in the league. Earlier this season, the two teams faced each other in the
FA Cup’s last 64 round, and the match ended in a draw during regular time. At
that time, Toney was serving a suspension and dealing with an injury, which led
to midfielder Josh Dasilva being deployed as a forward. Consequently,
Brentford’s offensive strength was compromised. As a result, the current
Brentford will undoubtedly present a more formidable challenge to Wolves in
this upcoming encounter.
Both Brentford and Wolves have shown strengths in quick
counterattacks, and it is likely that they will focus on competing for control
in the midfield. The outcome of the match will depend on which side can
capitalize on scoring opportunities. Taking into account the recent changes in
their offensive performances, it appears that Wolves may have a slight
disadvantage. As a result, there is optimism that Brentford can secure points
in this away match.
Wolves’ Last 5 Games: WLWDD
24-02-04 Chelsea 2-4 Wolves
24-02-02 Wolves 3-4 Manchester United
24-01-28 West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Wolves
24-01-23 Brighton 0-0 Wolves
24-01-17 Wolves 2-2 Brentford (AET 1-0)
Brentford’s Last 5 Games: LLWDD
24-02-06 Brentford 1-3 Manchester City
24-02-01 Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Brentford
24-01-21 Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest
24-01-17 Wolves 2-2 Brentford (AET 1-0)
24-01-06 Brentford 1-1 Wolves
Head To Head Record:
24-01-17 Wolves 2-2 Brentford (AET 1-0)
24-01-06 Brentford 1-1 Wolves
23-12-28 Brentford 1-4 Wolves
23-04-15 Wolves 2-0 Brentford
22-10-29 Brentford 1-1 Wolves
Prediction: Brentford to win or
Draw