As the Premier League lights up this Friday, the spotlight falls squarely on a pivotal match-up between Leicester City and Brentford. Leicester, languishing at the lower end of the table, is desperate to turn their fortunes around during this critical stage of the season. With a couple of games lined up in quick succession, this could be their chance to ignite some much-needed positive momentum.
Match Info
- Premier League Matchday 26 of 38
- Friday 21st February 2025 15:00 EST / 20:00 GMT
- King Power Stadium, Leicester, UK
Leicester’s struggle has been stark, particularly in their quest for goals—a challenge that has only intensified under the stewardship of Ruud van Nistelrooy. Despite his prolific scoring days as a player, van Nistelrooy has yet to spark his squad’s offensive capabilities, as evidenced by their recent loss to an under-strength Arsenal side. Their defensive frailties were laid bare in that match, but even more concerning was their impotence in attack, culminating in a disheartening streak of five consecutive home defeats without finding the net.
Now, Leicester faces the daunting task of breaking down a Brentford side that’s been formidable on the road, conceding just once in their last four away matches. Brentford’s recent away victories, including triumphs at Southampton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham, underscore a significant turnaround from their early-season struggles away from home. Their tactical shift has reaped rewards, and their attacking prowess, led by a confident squad, poses a serious threat to Leicester’s ambitions.
Brentford’s attackers have been in fine form, making them a formidable force that Leicester will struggle to contain at the King Power Stadium. The Bees’ ability to create scoring opportunities on their travels suggests they might have the upper hand in this fixture. With the odds in their favour, backing Brentford in this match could be a prudent choice, as they seek to extend their winning streak on the road in this opening Premier League fixture of the weekend.
Leicester City
Leicester City, under the guidance of Ruud van Nistelrooy, are in a precarious position at the bottom of the Premier League table, desperately needing to strike a better balance between their offensive thrusts and defensive solidity. Their recent attempt to stymie Arsenal’s title aspirations faltered as they succumbed to late goals, a testament to their ongoing struggles to make an impact upfront.
This weekend presents yet another critical opportunity at the King Power Stadium for Leicester to claw back from the brink. With a disappointing home record of 2 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses this season, and having netted a mere 11 goals in these matches, the urgency for improvement is palpable. Despite sitting 19th, Leicester is just two points shy of safety—a gap they hope to narrow in this round of fixtures, having the advantage of playing before their relegation competitors.
The recent defeat to Arsenal extends a worrying trend for Leicester, with 10 losses in their last 12 outings across all competitions. The King Power faithful have witnessed five consecutive home defeats without a single goal from their team, a record that speaks volumes about their current plight.
Adding to their challenges, Leicester faces lineup disruptions with James Justin sidelined due to a recent injury, expected to miss upcoming matches. However, there is a glimmer of hope with the anticipated return of Ricardo Pereira in March, potentially bolstering their defensive line. As they prepare to host this crucial match, the pressure is mounting on Leicester City to turn their fortunes around and breathe life into their survival campaign.
Brentford
As the Premier League campaign unfolds, Brentford have begun to find their stride away from home under the stewardship of Thomas Frank. After a challenging start facing top-tier teams on the road, Brentford’s recent form has seen a notable improvement, culminating in a hard-fought 1-0 victory against West Ham United last Saturday.
Positioned 11th in the league, Brentford harbours aspirations of nudging closer to the European qualification spots. Their triumph in East London has bolstered their away record to three wins, two draws, and seven losses, with the team scoring 14 goals and conceding 17 on their travels.
While Brentford’s home form at the Gtech Community Stadium has dipped, with no wins in their last six matches, their away performances tell a different story. The team is currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten streak on the road, including three consecutive away victories, a testament to their growing confidence and adaptability in hostile environments.
However, injury concerns loom as Brentford prepares for their upcoming fixtures. Sepp van den Berg, who sustained an injury at the London Stadium, is doubtful for the next match. Additionally, key players like Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, and Joshua Dasilva are expected to be sidelined, posing further challenges for Frank’s squad as they aim to maintain their momentum in the league.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Brentford to Win
Brentford’s recent form on the road suggests they have adapted well to the challenges of away fixtures, with three consecutive victories underscoring their growing confidence. Their solid away record, highlighted by a disciplined 1-0 win at West Ham United, positions them favourably against a Leicester City side struggling with form and injuries. Leicester’s inability to secure points at the King Power Stadium, coupled with their inability to score in their last five home games, paints a bleak picture. Given these dynamics, Brentford, despite their own injury concerns, appear poised to exploit Leicester’s vulnerabilities and secure another valuable away win.
America Bet Score Prediction
Leicester City 0 – 2 Brentford
Given the contrasting forms of both teams, particularly in their recent fixtures, a 0-2 victory for Brentford seems plausible. Leicester City’s persistent struggles at home, especially their inability to score in recent games, align poorly against a Brentford side that has shown resilience and tactical acumen on the road. Brentford’s consecutive away wins, including a clean sheet at West Ham, suggest they are capable of maintaining defensive solidity while exploiting Leicester’s defensive gaps. Expect Brentford to control the game and secure a comfortable win with goals potentially coming from counter-attacks or set-piece situations.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Brentford to Win
- Exact Score: Leicester City 0 – 2 Brentford
- Brentford to Keep a Clean Sheet
- Under 2.5 Goals Total
- First Half Result: Brentford to Lead
- Brentford to Win Both Halves
- Total Corners: Under 10.5
- First to Score: Brentford
- Half Time/Full Time: Brentford/Brentford
