How Should Nuno Set Up Against Brentford?

The busy bees have certainly been an underestimated force in the Premier League this season, with the majority of Football fans at the beginning of the season suggesting they’d be one of the three to go down, yet Keith Andrews’ side have proved everyone wrong numerous times over.

The Hammers have faced Brentford twice so far this season, both times in the London Stadium, one being the glamorous FA Cup victory on penalties, whereas the other was a dismal, gloomy 2-0 defeat where the Hammers didn’t even pose a shot on goal.

In the reverse fixture, history suggests West Ham haven’t had that good a record at the Gtech, with only one win there in recent times, but that was in the FA Cup, certainly not in the Top Division of English football.

Whilst the Hammers haven’t won there since 1958, Brentford also have been having a torrid time at home, not winning in their backyard since the 7th January against Sunderland in a 3-0 victory.

Both sides certainly have a record they’d like to break, albeit West Ham’s being just a smidge longer than Brentford’s…

Against Brentford, Nuno has some crucial decisions to make, the whirlwind being caused by Wilson, who seemingly could be the favourite to take over Pablo’s position, but our Head Coach is known to not change a winning team. After the Everton game, NES spoke out briefly about how set pieces can change a game, and Brentford were a side to worry about, perhaps an indication towards a more defensive approach, which could easily be achieved by introducing Jean-Clair Todibo.

Todibo & Wilson will likely be the only outsiders to possibly start against Brentford, but then again, they could always be introduced as substitutions, which Nuno seems to have gotten a hold of.

When the Hammers played Brentford back in October, Nuno had tested out playing a left back on the right side, with the right back on the left side and also hadn’t a clue regarding substitutions - it is fair to say that crease has been ironed out, seeing as his judgement appears to be correct more often than not.

In terms of timing, West Ham will face their opponents for the next 3 fixtures ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, the other relegation candidate. This could be seen as an advantage given that if good results were to come our way, it could place a frightful gap between both sides temporarily, but the same could be said vice versa….certainly will be a handful of stressful watches.

Fixture timing, squad situation and the past all are crucial discussion points against Brentford, and it begs the question what will Nuno do come Saturday at 15:00. Both sides have plenty at stake with Brentford fighting for Europe and ourselves fighting for safety.

A tough 90 minutes await, which will be officiated by Craig Pawson on the pitch, where in Stockley Park, he will be assisted by Tony Harrington and Eddie Smart.