West Ham United vs Brentford

The Premier League clash between West Ham United and Brentford will take place at the London Stadium in Stratford, London, on Monday, October 20, 2025, with kick-off set for 20:00 GMT. It’s the final fixture of Matchweek 8, and anticipation is high as Nuno Espírito Santo prepares for his first home match as West Ham manager. The Hammers are desperate for their first home win of the campaign, while Brentford arrive looking to extend their solid run of results against their London rivals.

In terms of squad news, West Ham will welcome back Tomáš Souček from suspension, a key boost in midfield. However, Niclas Füllkrug remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while George Earthy is also out. Nuno is expected to rotate his squad slightly, with a few younger players potentially included among the substitutes. Brentford, on the other hand, will be without Antoni Milambo after the young midfielder suffered a serious knee injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. Both sides otherwise have near-full squads, giving each coach flexibility in selection and tactical setup.

Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to line his team up in a compact 4-2-3-1 system, focusing on defensive organization and quick transitions. After a string of poor defensive performances, tightening up at the back has been his main priority. He’s also emphasizing faster ball recovery and more discipline in the midfield. Brentford manager Keith Andrews is likely to mirror the 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on solid structure and rapid counter-attacks through the wings. His side has developed a reputation for efficient play, turning limited chances into goals thanks to their sharp attacking transitions.

The press have focused heavily on the pressure surrounding West Ham, who currently sit 19th in the Premier League table with just four points from seven games. Many journalists have questioned whether Nuno can quickly instill confidence and resilience into a team struggling defensively and mentally. Others have noted Brentford’s impressive record against the Hammers in recent years, predicting that their disciplined setup could cause further frustration for the home crowd. Most pre-match predictions suggest a tight contest, with some tipping West Ham to narrowly edge the game if they can hold firm defensively.

In studio discussions, analysts have zeroed in on West Ham’s defensive issues as the defining storyline of the match. They point out that the Hammers have conceded too many goals from set pieces and are vulnerable when pressed high. Pundits believe that Brentford’s efficiency and counter-attacking ability could punish any lapses in concentration. Others argue that if West Ham can start strong and find early momentum, the energy from the home crowd might turn the tide. The general consensus is that the match will be decided by tactical discipline rather than flair, with both sides under pressure to deliver points before heading into a crucial phase of the season.

Watch and Download West Ham United vs Brentford full match replay and highlights, At Monday, October 20, 2025. The match played at London Stadium, in Premier League, England.

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