On the opening weekend of the season, both of these teams were involved in 1-0 games. Nottingham Forest came out on top of theirs, beating Millwall, while Brentford were on the wrong end of theirs, losing away to Sheffield United.Nottingham Forest head into the season with hopes of promotion, although I think they will finish just short myself, while Brentford will be looking to push for a mid-table finish, with anything better being a bonus. Like many games in the Championship this weekend, two very closely matched teams meet in this one.
Brentford Form
Brentford started their season with a defeat last week against newly promoted Sheffield United. They lost the game 1-0 and will be disappointed they weren’t able to get something from the game. They played well enough to earn a draw and will need to get over that disappointment quickly.
During midweek they managed to beat League One opposition AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup. They needed extra time in the game, but two goals during that period gave them a 3-1 success to progress to the next round. In two games so far, Brentford have looked ok, and should really have taken something from their games against Sheffield United. They will look to put that right this weekend, but face a tough Nottingham Forest team.
Nottingham Forest Form
Nottingham Forest will have outside hopes of promotion, and if they continue their good start that could be a possibility. They have won their first two games, neither in convincing style but what they have shown is that they are capable of grinding out a victory. Their opening day win against Millwall was a great example of this, Millwall made things tough, but Forest found a way to come out on top.
It was all change for Forest during midweek, they made eleven changes against Shrewsbury and came out on top 2-1 in that one. It was a risk to make so many changes, but it paid off and the first team players will be rested for their trip to Brentford. Two games in and what Forest have shown us is that they know how to win games. They may have to battle hard from time to time, but they will find a way to win and that is going to be key for them if they are to challenge for promotion this season.
Team News
I expect Nottingham Forest to revert to a similar line up that faced Millwall, after making eleven changes during their midweek game with Shrewsbury. Barrie McKay scored a spectacular goal on his debut last Friday and he is sure to start the game again after his performance. Forest made six signings this summer, but started just three last Friday, if this is the approach they are taking then I expect to see the new players slowly introduced to the team.
Brentford also made changes during midweek, although I expect them to play a similar team to the one that travelled to Sheffield United. Ollie Watkins and Justin Shaibu scored the extra time winners on Tuesday and both of those may be pushing for starts this weekend after their performances.
Top Betting Tips
Like with many other Championship games this week, this one puts together two very evenly matched teams. Both have started well, although Nottingham Forest were rewarded with points last weekend and Brentford weren’t. Brentford know they are capable of playing well and if they continue to play like last weekend then they will win games in this division.
Nottingham Forest are one of the outsiders for promotion this season and it will be interesting to see how they get on, especially during the early part of the season. A good start will be vital for them and after winning last weekend at home to Millwall, I am going to back them to win again in this game as I think they represent very good value.
You can back Nottingham Forest to win the game at 7/2 with Paddy Power and Ladbrokes, which is a great price about a team who are not too far away from a promotion challenge Forest know how to win the tough games and they have enough fire power in their team to score against anyone. They are an interesting team to watch, could prove to be very good this season and they are a team I want to keep on the right side of in the early stages.