The Hammers are in a spot of bother after being humbled at home last week!

Boss David Moyes needs his West Ham side to hammer out a win against Brentford's buzzing bees. But that'll be a tough task at the London Stadium!

Brentford are flying higher than a kite after stinging Chelsea in their last match. Thomas Frank's men will come armed with buckets of belief after that famous victory.

West Ham's midfield maestro Declan Rice is gone, leaving a huge hole in the engine room. The new boy Lucas Paqueta has big boots to fill pulling the strings.

Brentford has Ivan Toney up top, who's been scoring for fun this season. He'll be licking his lips at the chance to bully West Ham's creaky backline.

Out wide, Brentford has speedy Bryan Mbeumo who could give West Ham's fullbacks nightmares. He's faster than a cheetah chasing a gazelle!

West Ham will be banking on dangerman Jarrod Bowen to weave some magic. He can unlock any defense on his day.

This London derby promises entertainment and drama. Can the high-flying Bees extend their dazzling run? Or will the Hammers swat Brentford aside on home turf?

Sparks are sure to fly under the London Stadium lights. Let's hope both attacks bring their shooting boots!

West Ham United vs Brentford

The match will take place on Saturday, 4th November, 2023, at Gtech Community Stadium

Hammers Look Devoid of Ideas

West Ham lacked inspiration and urgency throughout their game against Everton. Despite boss David Moyes opting for a more adventurous system with creative talents like Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus selected, the Hammers failed to capitalize. 

Paqueta flickered briefly but was often isolated. Other big names like Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma were virtual spectators.

Hammers Flying High Under Moyes

It's been a similar story of squad evolution rather than revolution for West Ham this summer. David Moyes has once again worked shrewdly to identify targets that can elevate his tight-knit group.

French defender Nayef Aguerd came in early for big money to reinforce the backline, while the addition of box-to-box midfielder Edson Alvarez adds some tenacity in midfield. 

Midfield is one area where West Ham would give more focus just because of the fact that they had to let go of their midfield maestro Declan Rice who owned the space.

Bees' Brigade Rise to the Occasion

Brentford put in a mammoth defensive effort to keep Chelsea's superstars at bay. They tackled tirelessly and blocked everything, like heroes defending a castle from an invading army.

Center-backs Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins were colossal, winning every aerial duel and crunching into challenges. In front of them, Vitaly Janelt shielded the backline superbly.

The Bees defended with the intensity of warriors in a battle. They simply refused to buckle under Chelsea's relentless pressure.

Mbeumo a Handful Up Front

Leading the line, Bryan Mbeumo was a constant pest for Chelsea's defense. He chased every lost cause and held the ball up cleverly.

His pace on the counter-attack had Chelsea's slow center-backs trembling. Mbeumo kept them pinned back with his intelligent runs in behind.

The striker deservedly capped his tireless display with a cool finish for Brentford's second goal. A classy performance.

Frank's Gameplan Executed to Perfection

Manager Thomas Frank deserves huge credit for masterminding this famous win. His tactics stifled Chelsea's illustrious attack.

Frank set Brentford up expertly to soak up pressure, then hit Chelsea on the break. His diligent game plan was executed to perfection by committed players.

The Danish tactician once again proved he can go toe-to-toe with the Premier League's big boys. This was a glittering feather in Frank's cap.

Midfield Maestros Pull the Strings

Anchored by the experienced Christian Norgaard, Brentford's midfield trio of Onyeka, Janelt, and Jensen controlled proceedings for long stretches. 

Their tidy passing and intelligent positioning allowed Brentford to subdue the array of talents Winning the midfield battle was central to the Bees' brave showing.

Defense Makes Vital Interventions

As the opposition piled on late pressure, Brentford's rearguard put their bodies on the line with some heroic blocks and last-ditch tackles. 

Pontus Jansson and Ethan Pinnock made countless head clearances as the Red Devils bombarded the penalty box. Despite tiring legs, Brentford's backline stood firm until the death knocks.

Bees Prove They Can Sting the Elite

After toppling Chelsea again, Brentford have shown they are no longer Premier League lightweights.

The Bees have firmly established themselves as a gutsy team who can live with the very best. Their tireless work rate and organization can trouble any side.

Wins like this will give Brentford huge confidence going forward. The rest of the league better beware of their deadly sting!

Predicted Lineups

Brentford: Mark Flekken, Aaron Hickey, E. Pinnock, Ben Mee, K. Ajer, M. Jensen, C. Norgaard, Frank Onyeka, Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo, Neal Maupay

West Ham United: A. Areola, Emerson, Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, V. Coufal, Tomas Soucek, J. Ward-Prowse, S. Benrahma, M. Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, M. Antonio

Key Battles

Bowen vs Mbeumo

With Declan Rice now at Arsenal, the creative burden will fall more on Jarrod Bowen to spark West Ham in midfield.

The lively attacker will look to work his magic against Brentford's defense. But he'll have to get past Bryan Mbeumo.

The Brentford striker put in a tireless shift against Chelsea. He'll be charged with tracking Bowen's dangerous forward runs.

Mbeumo has the pace and stamina to stick tight to Bowen all game. But Bowen is crafty and can pop up in pockets of space.

If Mbeumo wins this battle, Bowen's supply line to West Ham's frontmen will be cut off.

However, if Bowen can evade his marker, he can slide passes through for the likes of Michail Antonio to pounce on.

This cat-and-mouse chase could determine which team takes control of the midfield. Mbeumo vs Bowen may prove a crucial showdown.

Conclusion

This has the makings of a tight, hard-fought London derby between two energetic, well-drilled teams. Chances could be few and far between.

But Brentford's confidence is sky-high after beating Chelsea. Their pace on the counter could punish any West Ham mistakes.

Expect the raucous London Stadium atmosphere to inspire the Hammers though. If Rice stands tall, West Ham's quality should see them edge a close contest.