Championship

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Championship | Gameweek 44

Jul 15, 2020 at 5pm UK

Griffin Park

Brentford
1 - 0
Preston

Watkins (4')
Benrahma (63'), Watkins (90+3')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Rafferty (53')

Preview: Brentford vs. Preston North End - prediction, team news, lineups

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 13 July 2020

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Championship game between Brentford and Preston North End, including team news and predicted lineups.

Brentford play host to Preston North End on Wednesday evening looking to extend their seven-match winning streak in the Championship.

Meanwhile, the visitors make the trip to Griffin Park knowing that they can not afford another defeat if they wish to remain as one of the main contenders for a playoff spot.

Match preview

Brentford manager Thomas Frank pictured on July 7, 2020 © Reuters

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has stressed after recent games that maintaining momentum from their own performances and results is as important as either Leeds United or West Bromwich Albion dropping points above them.

However, after witnessing West Bromwich Albion only record a draw against Blackburn Rovers, that stance may have altered slightly as they anticipate the possibility of a season-defining defeat for the Baggies.

Heading into this week, the Bees sit three points adrift of West Brom with three matches remaining, but their superior goal difference leaves them in a position to pounce should their direct rivals lose out to either Fulham, Huddersfield Town or Queens Park Rangers.

Nevertheless, Frank will not lose sight of the fact that Brentford must still win another three matches, hoping that his front three continue to showcase themselves as the standout trio in the division.

Said Benrahma has been the star of the show over the last three matches, contributing six of his team's most recent eight strikes.

From Preston's perspective, they travel to the division's best-performing team having put together a much-needed three-match unbeaten streak of their own.

On the back of six defeats from eight matches, Alex Neil has witnessed his side collect five points from games against Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest.

Although the North-West side remain two points adrift of the playoffs ahead of such a difficult fixture, Neil at least has something to work with after Preston recently surrendered their top-six spot.

There will also be a feeling that there is less pressure on their shoulders heading into this contest, something which could play further into their favour if West Brom leave the door open for their hosts.

Brentford Championship form: WWWWWW

Preston North End Championship form: DLLDWD

Team News

Henrik Dalsgaard in action for Brentford in October 2019 © Reuters

Brentford head coach Frank could hand a recall to right-back Henrik Dalsgaard for this contest.

Mathias Jensen is also pushing for a start in the centre of midfield, but Shandon Baptiste is a doubt through injury.

Having sustained a knock at the weekend, Ben Davies is expected to miss out in the centre of Preston's defence.

Neil is also likely to bring Paul Gallagher and Tom Barkhuizen back into his starting lineup.

Ryan Ledson is in contention for a spot in midfield as a replacement for Ben Pearson.

Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Dalsgaard, Pinnock, Jansson, Henry; Jensen, Norgaard, Dasilva; Mbuemo, Watkins, Benrahma

Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Rudd; Rafferty, Bauer, Storey, Hughes; Pearson, Johnson; Potts, Gallagher, Barkhuizen; Stockley

We say: Brentford 3-1 Preston North End

Despite Preston's resurgence, it would come as a surprise if Brentford did not record another three points. Although it may prove to be more competitive than some of their recent games, the Bees have been relentless since the resumption and there is no reason to think that will not continue on Wednesday.

Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Brentford win with a probability of 58.44%. A draw had a probability of 23.5% and a win for Preston North End had a probability of 18.05%.

The most likely scoreline for a Brentford win was 1-0 with a probability of 13.16%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-0 (11.4%) and 2-1 (9.63%). The likeliest drawn scoreline was 1-1 (11.12%), while for a Preston North End win it was 0-1 (6.42%). The actual scoreline of 1-0 was predicted with a 13.2% likelihood. Our data analysis correctly predicted a 1-0 win for Brentford in this match.