Brentford will face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, March 15, 2024, at Molineux Stadium, kick-off at 15:00 GMT. The Bees are looking to recover from their recent 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, while Wolves are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season after suffering a late loss to Arsenal.
The match presents a critical opportunity for both teams. Wolves currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, having accumulated just two points from their first 16 matches, marking the lowest total in the history of England’s top four tiers at this stage. Their recent performance under new manager Rob Edwards has been troubling, with the team experiencing five consecutive defeats since he took charge.
Wolverhampton’s struggles have been highlighted by their inability to score goals, netting only nine since the season began. Moreover, they have conceded 35 goals, making them the league’s worst defensive side. Despite these alarming statistics, Wolves’ narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal last weekend offered a glimpse of potential improvement. The team demonstrated resilience and defensive discipline, even managing to deny Arsenal a single shot on target in the first half, a feat no other team has accomplished this season.
For Brentford, the focus is on returning to league form after their Cup exit. Head coach Keith Andrews will be keen to ensure his side capitalizes on Wolverhampton’s vulnerabilities. Brentford’s defence has been more reliable, with only Leeds United and Arsenal making fewer errors leading to opponent’s shots. Andrews will encourage his players to exploit any weaknesses and maintain pressure throughout the match.
In terms of team news, Brentford’s squad faces uncertainties with injuries. Andrews confirmed that Jordan Henderson and Igor Thiago both picked up minor knocks against Leeds, making their availability for the match uncertain. In contrast, Wolves are without key players due to injuries and suspensions, including Josh Dasilva, who is sidelined for the season due to a knee ligament injury.
Wolves’ Struggles and Edwards’ Challenge
Wolverhampton has experienced a tumultuous few years, often flirting with relegation. After a strong finish in the 2022/23 season under Julen Lopetegui, where they secured 13th place, the team began the current campaign poorly, leading to the sacking of Vitor Pereira just 45 days after he signed a three-year contract. Edwards, who previously played for the club, has returned with a vision for revitalization. However, his tenure has started with significant challenges, as Wolves remain the only team in the top five divisions of English football without a victory to their name.
The previous match between these two teams, held on October 5, 2024, ended in a thrilling 5-3 victory for Brentford. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming encounter, as both sides will aim to assert dominance.
Edwards faces the daunting task of improving Wolves’ performance while addressing their defensive issues. So far, a staggering 74% of goals conceded have come from open play. The challenge lies in solidifying their defence while also finding ways to increase their offensive output. The team’s current statistics indicate they have the lowest expected goals (xG) total in the league at only 13.73, alongside the fewest shots and shots on target per match.
Match Officials and Expectations
The match will be officiated by Matthew Donohue, who will be taking charge of his first Premier League game of the season. He has officiated 13 matches this season, predominantly in the Championship, and will be supported by assistants Constantine Hatzidakis and Steven Meredith.
As the match approaches, both teams will be eager to make a statement. Brentford will look to leverage their recent performances, while Wolves will aim to turn the tide and secure their first league win of the season. With the stakes high, fans can expect an intense clash at Molineux this Saturday.
