Wolverhampton vs Brentford Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 20 December

Wolverhampton vs Brentford Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 20 December. As we look ahead to this Premier League clash, both teams are set to face off at the iconic Molineux Stadium. Wolverhampton will be keen to make the most of their home advantage as they welcome Brentford, aiming to secure crucial points in the league standings.

This fixture holds significant importance in the Premier League, with both Wolverhampton and Brentford eager to climb the table. The match promises to be a competitive encounter, with each side looking to assert their dominance on the pitch. Fans can expect a tactical battle as both teams strive for victory in this eagerly anticipated contest.

Wolverhampton vs Brentford Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Brentford to Win	2.04

Given the current form and league standings, our recommended betting tip is an away win for Brentford. The odds of 2.12 provide good value considering Brentford’s recent performances and Wolverhampton’s struggles this season.

• Wolverhampton have failed to win in their last 20 league matches, highlighting their poor form.
• Brentford have a strong head-to-head record against Wolverhampton, winning two of the last five meetings.
• Brentford’s attacking lineup is in good form, having scored double the number of goals compared to Wolverhampton.

Betting Odds

Wolverhampton face Brentford at Molineux Stadium, with the visitors slightly favoured according to the latest betting odds. Brentford are priced at 2.04, reflecting their strong form this season, while Wolverhampton’s odds of 3.59 suggest a potential upset on home turf.

Betting Tip	Odds
Wolverhampton to win	3.59
Draw	3.46
Brentford to win	2.04

The draw is also an intriguing option at 3.46, especially considering both teams’ tendency for tight encounters. Punters might also fancy a flutter on the over 2.5 goals market, given the attacking prowess on display.

Wolverhampton Analysis & Past Performance

Wolverhampton’s recent form has been troubling, with the team suffering five consecutive defeats in their latest fixtures. In their most recent match, they faced Arsenal away, succumbing to a 1-2 defeat. This result is part of a worrying trend, as they have not secured a victory in any of their last ten games across all competitions.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Arsenal	Wolverhampton	2 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	13 Dec 2025
Wolverhampton	Manchester United	1 – 4 (Defeat)	Premier League	8 Dec 2025
Wolverhampton	Nottingham Forest	0 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	3 Dec 2025
Aston Villa	Wolverhampton	1 – 0 (Defeat)	Premier League	30 Nov 2025
Wolverhampton	Crystal Palace	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Premier League	22 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Wolverhampton have struggled offensively, averaging just 0.40 goals per game over their last five matches, resulting in a mere two goals scored. Defensively, they have been equally vulnerable, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per game and failing to keep a single clean sheet. At home, their form is equally concerning, with five straight losses and only one draw in their past five Molineux Stadium appearances.

Sitting at the bottom of the Premier League standings with only 2 points, Wolverhampton’s lack of attacking threat and defensive frailties are significant weaknesses. Hee-chan Hwang emerges as a key figure, though he has managed to find the net just once recently, indicating a broader challenge in converting opportunities into goals.

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Wolverhampton Suspensions & Injuries

Wolverhampton face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions, potentially impacting their approach against Brentford. The absence of Yerson Mosquera due to suspension for accumulated yellow cards will necessitate a defensive reshuffle. Santiago Bueno is likely to fill the void in the backline, maintaining their 3-5-2 formation. Meanwhile, the suspension of Tawanda Chirewa and Emmanuel Agbadou due to national team commitments further limits the squad depth.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Still to Serve	Anticipated Return
Yerson Mosquera	Yellow cards	1	To be confirmed
Tawanda Chirewa	International duty	3	To be confirmed
Emmanuel Agbadou	International duty	3	To be confirmed

The injury list adds more complexity, with Rodrigo Gomes out until early February 2026 and Daniel Bentley, Marshall Munetsi, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde all possibly returning late December 2025. These absences particularly affect midfield options, requiring players like João Gomes and Matt Doherty to step up and fill the creative void left by Bellegarde’s knock injury. The potential lack of depth in midfield may force Rob Edwards to rely heavily on the available starters to maintain control in the middle of the park.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Leon Chiwome	Cruciate ligament injury	Late December 2025
Rodrigo Gomes	Groin injury	Early February 2026
Daniel Bentley	Ankle injury	Late December 2025
Marshall Munetsi	Calf injury	Late December 2025
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde	Knock	Doubtful

These unavailabilities could influence Wolverhampton’s tactical flexibility, potentially narrowing their attacking options and impacting their overall match strategy. Bettors should consider the potential impact on the team’s performance, as the reduced squad depth could affect Wolverhampton’s ability to sustain pressure against a resilient Brentford side.

Wolverhampton Key Players

Wolverhampton’s offensive threats are led by Hee-chan Hwang, who is the team’s top scorer with one goal this season. His dynamic play and ability to exploit spaces behind the defence make him a pivotal figure in their attacking lineup. Hwang’s partnership with Jørgen Strand Larsen in the forward line is expected to be crucial, as they attempt to penetrate Brentford’s defence with their pace and creativity.

In midfield, João Gomes stands out as a key playmaker. His vision and passing ability are central to orchestrating Wolverhampton’s attacks, providing crucial link-up play between the defence and the forwards. Meanwhile, in defence, Santiago Bueno anchors the backline, where his tactical awareness and aerial prowess are essential for maintaining defensive solidity against Brentford’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Wolverhampton

• Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone
• Defenders: Santiago Bueno, Ki-Jana Hoever, Toti Gomes
• Midfielders: André, David Møller Wolfe, Matt Doherty, João Gomes, Ladislav Krejčí
• Forwards: Jørgen Strand Larsen, Hee-chan Hwang

The tactical impact of these players is significant. Hwang’s movement and goal-scoring instinct can stretch Brentford’s defence, creating spaces for Larsen to exploit. João Gomes’ ability to control the tempo of the game from midfield will be vital in dictating play, while Bueno’s defensive acumen aims to keep Brentford’s forwards at bay. These strengths, combined with the team’s cohesive play, could be decisive in Wolverhampton’s pursuit of victory.

Wolverhampton Tactics and Formation

Wolverhampton Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Hee-chan Hwang
• Midfield Pivot: André and João Gomes
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in recent games
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width, struggles with high defensive pressure.

Wolverhampton’s 3-5-2 formation offers a tactical approach that emphasises midfield control and width through wing-backs Matt Doherty and Ladislav Krejčí. The midfield pivot of André and João Gomes is tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks, although recent performances indicate challenges in maintaining possession, as seen in their 31% possession against Arsenal.

In the defensive phase, Wolverhampton relies on a back three consisting of Santiago Bueno, Ki-Jana Hoever, and Toti Gomes. However, this setup has struggled to keep clean sheets, with vulnerabilities exposed by teams applying high pressure, conceding 17 shots in their last match against Arsenal.

Offensively, Wolverhampton’s strategy relies on the striking partnership of Jørgen Strand Larsen and Hee-chan Hwang, the latter being their top scorer. Despite their efforts, the team has only scored in two of their last five matches, indicating a need for improved creativity and finishing in the final third.

Brentford Analysis & Past Performance

Brentford’s recent form has been challenging, with the team securing only one victory in their last five matches. This includes a 3-1 win against Burnley, but subsequent fixtures have seen a dip in performance, with losses to Arsenal (2-0), Tottenham (2-0), and Manchester City (2-0), and a draw against Leeds (1-1).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Manchester City	Brentford	2 – 0 (Loss)	EFL Cup	17 Dec 2025
Brentford	Leeds	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	14 Dec 2025
Tottenham	Brentford	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	6 Dec 2025
Arsenal	Brentford	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Dec 2025
Brentford	Burnley	3 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	29 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Brentford have struggled offensively, averaging only 0.80 goals per match in their last five fixtures, a reflection of their inability to convert chances effectively. Defensively, they’ve conceded 1.60 goals per game, highlighting vulnerabilities that opponents have exploited consistently.

In away matches, Brentford’s performance has been notably poor. They have failed to secure a victory in their last five away games, losing all five, which contributes to a worrying away win ratio of just 0.00. Their defensive frailties are apparent, with no clean sheets in recent outings, underscoring the need for improved defensive cohesion.

Overall, Brentford sit in a precarious position, ranked 15th in the league, with 20 points. This mid-bottom standing indicates a need for tactical adjustments, particularly in tightening their defence and enhancing their attacking efficiency, to climb the league table.

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Brentford Suspensions & Injuries

Brentford face several challenges with key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Notably, Joshua Da Silva’s knee surgery keeps him sidelined until early January 2026, which means Brentford will miss his creative influence in midfield. The absence of Reiss Nelson due to a knock injury adds to their woes, leaving coach Keith Andrews with limited options on the wings. Antoni Milambo and Fábio Carvalho are long-term absentees, which might not impact immediate tactics but reduces overall squad depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Antoni Milambo	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid August 2026
Joshua Da Silva	Knee surgery	Early January 2026
Fábio Carvalho	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Reiss Nelson	Knock injury	Doubtful

Brentford’s suspension list further complicates their selection strategy. Frank Onyeka and Dango Ouattara are unavailable due to national team commitments, each missing four matches. Their absence necessitates adjustments in midfield and attack, potentially impacting Brentford’s pressing game and transition play.

Player	Suspension Reason	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Frank Onyeka	International Duty	4	TBD
Dango Ouattara	International Duty	4	TBD

The tactical adjustments may involve reshuffling the midfield, with Vitaly Janelt and Mathias Jensen likely taking on increased responsibilities. This could lead to a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining possession and controlling the tempo to mitigate the impact of missing key players. The betting markets might react to these absences, potentially viewing Wolverhampton as favourites due to Brentford’s depleted squad.

Brentford Key Players

Igor Thiago stands out as Brentford’s top scorer with 11 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net and his physical presence up front make him a constant threat to any defence. As the focal point of Brentford’s attack, Thiago’s knack for positioning and finishing could be decisive against Wolverhampton.

In midfield, the experience and leadership of Jordan Henderson will be pivotal. His vision and passing range help dictate the tempo of the game, while Mathias Jensen’s creativity adds another layer to Brentford’s attacking play. Defensively, Nathan Collins is expected to marshal the backline, using his aerial prowess and tackling ability to fend off Wolverhampton’s forwards.

Expected lineup for Brentford

• Goalkeeper: Caoimhín Kelleher
• Defenders: Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, Aaron Hickey
• Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Vitaly Janelt, Mikkel Damsgaard, Mathias Jensen, Keane Lewis-Potter
• Forward: Igor Thiago

These key players not only contribute individually but also shape Brentford’s tactical approach. Thiago’s goalscoring exploits allow the team to play with an attacking mindset, while Henderson’s control in midfield ensures stability. Collins’ defensive skills provide the foundation for a resilient backline, making Brentford a well-rounded unit poised to challenge Wolverhampton.

Brentford Tactics and Formation

Brentford Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Igor Thiago
• Midfield Pivot: Jordan Henderson and Vitaly Janelt
• Defensive Strength: Struggled to maintain clean sheets recently
• Notable Strategy: Focus on midfield control and counter-attacks.

Brentford’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Keith Andrews aims to provide balance between defence and attack. With Jordan Henderson and Vitaly Janelt in the midfield pivot, Brentford seek to control the game’s tempo, offering both defensive cover and creative outlets. Mikkel Damsgaard, operating as an attacking midfielder, is pivotal in linking play and supporting Igor Thiago, their top scorer, up front.

Defensively, Brentford face challenges, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. The backline, featuring Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg, needs to tighten their organisation to prevent conceding goals, especially given their recent struggles against teams like Manchester City.

Offensively, Brentford rely on quick transitions and counter-attacks. The pace and creativity of Keane Lewis-Potter on the wing, combined with Igor Thiago’s finishing ability, make them dangerous on the break. However, they must improve their efficiency in front of goal, as highlighted by their limited scoring in recent matches.

Wolverhampton vs Brentford Head-to-Head Record

Looking at the head-to-head record between Wolverhampton and Brentford, Wolves have the upper hand with nine wins compared to Brentford’s six, alongside six draws. Their last encounter ended in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League back in May 2025. It’s a tight fixture historically, with Wolves slightly edging it.

The last time Wolverhampton hosted Brentford at Molineux Stadium in the Premier League, they suffered a 0-2 defeat in February 2024. However, Wolves did manage a dramatic extra-time win in the FA Cup the same year, showing they can turn it around on home soil.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Brentford	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-05-25
Brentford	Wolverhampton Wanderers	5 – 3	Premier League	2024-10-05
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Brentford	0 – 2	Premier League	2024-02-10
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Brentford	2 – 2 (Extra time: 1 – 0)	FA Cup	2024-01-16
Brentford	Wolverhampton Wanderers	1 – 1	FA Cup	2024-01-05