Brentford v Southampton predictions: Saints skipper could strike in west London

When to bet

3pm Saturday

Best bet

James Ward-Prowse to be first goalscorer
1pt each-way 12-1 bet365

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Team news

Brentford
Frank Onyeka and Pontus Jansson are injured. Shandon Baptiste is a doubt but Rico Henry should feature.

Southampton
Alex McCarthy and Moussa Djenepo could return to the squad. Deadline-day arrival Kamaldeen Sulemana may start on the bench but Tino Livramento, Juan Larios and Kyle Walker-Peters remain sidelined.

Match preview

Southampton cannot afford to dwell on the disappointment of Tuesday's EFL Cup semi-final exit at Newcastle if they are to achieve their main objective of staying in the Premier League.

Saints are bottom of the table but just three points behind Leicester in 14th and their performances over the two legs against Newcastle were encouraging, as was their 2-1 win at fellow strugglers Everton in their last away league fixture.

This weekend's opponents Brentford are well clear of the relegation scrap and their only defeat in ten home league fixtures this season came against leaders Arsenal.

Southampton will hope for more heroics from skipper James Ward-Prowse, who scored both goals at Everton. The free-kick maestro is relishing the chance to play further up the field under Nathan Jones, racking up five attempts at Goodison Park and scoring four times in his last four league appearances, so he catches the eye at 12-1 in the first-scorer betting.

Key stat

Brentford have kept only one clean sheet in their last six home league and cup matches.

Probable teams

Brentford (4-3-3): Raya; Ajer, Pinnock, Mee, Janelt; Jensen, Norgaard, Dasilva; Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa

Southampton (3-4-1-2): Bazunu; Lyanco, Salisu, Caleta-Car; Edozie, Lavia, Diallo, Elyounoussi; Ward-Prowse; Adams, Orsic

Inside info

Brentford

Penalty taker Ivan Toney
Assist ace Mathias Jensen
Set-piece aerial threat Ivan Toney
Card magnet Ben Mee

Southampton

Penalty taker James Ward-Prowse
Assist ace James Ward-Prowse
Set-piece aerial threat Mohammed Salisu
Card magnet Mohammed Salisu

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