Premier League GW6 Preview: The Bees to Sting The Hammers?

Returning for another Premier League Preview, Jack H picks out his Top 3 matches for the weekend ahead. Team news, form, score predictions, you can find it all here as El Chumbazo dive straight into the Premier League action!

Brentford vs West Ham, 28/09 3pm KO

Following a mixed pre-season campaign, relatively poor summer recruitment, key exits and injuries, Brentford have surprised me so far this season. In a difficult 23/24 campaign, Thomas Frank has got The Bees playing well again, despite back-to-back defeats in the league against Man City and Spurs in spirited performances. Now embarking on a run of 8 games without facing any of last year's Top 7, Brentford have a great opportunity to pick up some vital points.

Key injuries to Wissa and summer signing Thiago means Mbeumo will likely be leading the line in some capacity against West Ham. Playing a lesser quality team, Brentford should revert back to their 4-3-3 formation, which could see Carvalho, Schade and Lewis-Potter all contending for attacking positions alongside Mbeumo. The Cameroonian has started the season in fine fettle, scoring 4 times in 5 games.

West Ham, on the other hand, come into this game in a bad place. A 3-0 rollover by Chelsea at home followed by a 5-1 decimation by Liverpool at Anfield in the EFL Cup leaves the Hammers with just 1 win under Lopetegui in all competitions. Indeed, the transition from Moyes pragmatism to Lopetegui's possession-based football will take time, but the early signs have not looked good.

To West Ham's credit, prior to Edson Alvarez's dismissal, they were starting to get on top against Liverpool with Summerville and Antonio causing major problems for the Liverpool B team. However, West Ham defensively look all over the place with Kilman and Mavropanos disjointed as a duo, not giving the Hammers reassurance at the back. Against Brentford West Ham will need to up their game or potentially face being overwhelmed by The Bees in attack.

Barring Edson Alvarez's suspension and Füllkrug's knock, West Ham have a clean bill of health so there can be no complaints from the Spaniard's plethora of options available.

Goals should be on the cards for this game as both Brentford and West Ham sit in the bottom 3 for xGC, only after Ipswich. Both teams have quality in attack, with Brentford creating more chances at the moment. Low on confidence and away from home, I could see West Ham suffering defeat yet again, not helping the mood in The Hammers' camp. If you have Mbeumo in your FPL team, you should be rubbing your hands with glee at the prospect of goals aplenty.

Jack's Prediction: Brentford 3 - 1 West Ham

Chelsea vs Brighton, 28/09 3pm KO

This match-up intrigues me as 2 very similar teams go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea come into this match in sensational form, having only lost once in the league, winning the last 3 in all competitions. They are also the 2nd highest goalscorers in the league with 11.

Nicolas Jackson has scored 4 of those goals and is finally stepping up as a clinical, tricky and all-round striker. Against West Ham his link-up play and finishing was top notch, causing The Hammers problems from the wing and the centre with his movement. His connection with Cole Palmer, Madueke and Sancho is noticeable, reflecting Maresca's exciting attacking football. Their 7.33 xG from open play is the 4th best in the league and they will be eager to get at Brighton.

Barring the lengthy injury for Reece James, Kellyman and the potential absence of Lavia, Chelsea have a full strength team to choose from.

Brighton were frustrated by a plucky 10-man Nottingham Forest side as they were held to a 2-2 draw on the weekend. An end to end game, Brighton couldn't quite hold on to the lead as Forest exploited their risky high line.

But the early signs under Hurzeler have been promising with Brighton undefeated in all competitions this season. The brand of football is certainly good on the eye with Hurzeler looking the right man to take Brighton to the next level following mixed success with Roberto De Zerbi.

O'Riley and March are certainly out, with Premier League legend James Milner a doubt, hungry to beat Gareth Barry's all-time PL appearance record, needing just 18 more appearances. The main concern is the fitness of João Pedro. The Brazilian came back from an injury on the weekend, only to suffer again after the second-yellow worthy challenge from Gibbs-White. Hurzeler has confirmed the Brazilian will miss the weekend. The in-form Welbeck and Rütter will likely continue up front in his absence.

How both sides will setup tactically will be fascinating to watch. Both enjoy possession and punishing fast transitions so this could either be high-scoring or one where both teams will cancel each other out. However, I have a feeling Brighton may suffer their first defeat under Hurzeler at Stamford Bridge.

Jack's Prediction: Chelsea 3 - 2 Brighton

Bournemouth vs Southampton, 30/09 8pm KO

The South Coast Derby looks set to be a pivotal game as Bournemouth look for their first home win of the season and Southampton look for their first win of the season.

It has been an ok start for The Cherries this season 1W-2D-2L in a rather tricky opening fixture run. A home game against struggling newcomers Southampton should be seen as a prime opportunity to put on a show for the home faithful.

Apart from the injury of Tyler Adams, Andoni Iraola has his whole team at his disposal as he seeks to return to winning ways following back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea.

Despite losing 3-0 last weekend, Bournemouth troubled Liverpool going forward, matching Liverpool's 19 shots! This time around, Bournemouth can expect more possession and dominance.

Southampton were seconds away from registering their first win of the season against Ipswich last weekend. Dominating the game for large periods, Moorsy's stoppage time rocket cancelled out Dibling's cooly taken opener. Dibling, who was only 6 months old when assister Adam Lallana made his Southampton debut, tucked the ball away like he had been doing it for years; a positive sign for the club's youth development going forward.

Russell Martin's refusal to adapt his playing out from the back football has punished The Saints this season. 17th for xGC this season, The Saints concede lots of chances playing their high-risk football. I fear Southampton could face the same fate Burnley did last year if they continue to play out from the back against stronger opponents.

With Jack Stephens serving 2 more games of his suspension and a few other niggles, Martin has a near full squad to choose from. Dibling should expect to start again after impressing last weekend.

It is great to see the South Coast Derby back in the Premier League again, especially under the Monday night lights in Bournemouth. However, I don't think it is going to be happy travels for The Saints on Monday. Bournemouth's high pressing will likely overwhelm the away side, leading to quick transitions and a high volume of chances for Ramsdale to deal with. Evanilson will be seeking to end his goal drought against Southampton, an ideal time to do so.

Jack's Prediction: Bournemouth 2 - 0 Southampton