West Ham United will hope to secure a much-needed three points when they take on Brentford on Monday night.

A crucial London derby with significant implications at the bottom end of the Premier League table takes centre stage on Monday night, as West Ham United welcome Brentford to the London Stadium. Both sides find themselves in desperate need of momentum, with survival already looming as an early-season concern.

The Hammers, sitting 19th, are searching for their first victory in four games, while Brentford, just three points ahead in 16th, will look to steady their campaign after a narrow defeat to Manchester City before the international break. For both managers, this fixture represents a chance to shift the mood and re-establish confidence heading into the winter stretch.

The arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo was meant to spark defensive organisation and renewed energy, but West Ham United remain stuck in a rut. Their 2-0 loss to Arsenal on October 4 extended a worrying run of four winless matches, including three defeats and just two goals scored in that span.

Defensive frailty has become a recurring theme, the Hammers have conceded two or more goals in six of their eight league fixtures, while also drawing blanks in front of goal on four occasions. That imbalance has prevented Nuno from replicating the gritty structure that defined his time at Nottingham Forest.

Even more concerning is their home form: the London Stadium has been anything but a fortress, with three straight home defeats and 10 goals conceded in those games. Additionally, West Ham remain one of only two teams yet to lead at half-time in any Premier League fixture this season, often starting sluggishly and chasing games late on.

If they are to climb out of the relegation zone, the Hammers must rediscover defensive solidity and sharper attacking coordination, particularly from Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio, whose partnership has underdelivered so far.

Brentford, under new boss Keith Andrews, have experienced a stop-start beginning to life after Thomas Frank, but there are signs of structure developing. Their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City before the break was less a reflection of poor performance and more an example of being undone by Erling Haaland’s brilliance.

Despite sitting in 16th place, the Bees have displayed the fighting spirit that made them Premier League regulars in recent years. Andrews has tightened the defensive lines compared to last season, Brentford have conceded 12 goals in seven games, one fewer than at this stage last year, though their attack remains blunt, with only nine goals scored, three fewer than this point in 2024/25.

Their away form, however, remains a glaring weakness. Brentford have lost all three of their league games on the road, scoring just twice while conceding seven. The manager will need more from key men like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, who have carried most of the attacking burden since Ivan Toney’s exit.

Still, Brentford’s recent record against West Ham offers optimism, they secured a 1-0 win at the London Stadium last season, and they have generally fared well in London derbies under both Frank and Andrews. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

West Ham United

Nuno Espírito Santo will have a significant boost for Monday’s crucial clash, as Tomas Soucek is available for selection again following a three-match suspension incurred from his red card against Tottenham Hotspur on September 13. However, his inclusion is far from guaranteed, the Czech midfielder’s form before his ban was inconsistent, and Nuno may prefer more energetic options in the centre of the park.

The Hammers remain without Niclas Fullkrug, who continues to recover from an injury that has sidelined him for several weeks. There is still no confirmed timeline for the German striker’s return, leaving Callum Wilson to lead the line once more.

On a positive note, Wilson is now fully fit and ready to make his second Premier League start for West Ham, having overcome minor fitness issues that hampered his early-season involvement. There are no new suspensions in the squad, but the manager will be cautious with rotation given his side’s poor defensive record.

In midfield, Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa are pushing strongly for starting roles after impressing with their intensity and ball-winning abilities. Their athleticism could give West Ham greater control and fluidity than the more conservative pairing of Soucek and James Ward-Prowse.

Tactically, Nuno is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritising compactness in midfield while relying on pace and creativity in transition. Alphonse Areola will retain his place in goal, having been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise shaky defensive line.

In front of him, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will occupy the right-back position, offering defensive solidity and recovery pace, while Kostas Mavropanos partners Max Kilman at the heart of defence. On the left, El Hadji Malick Diouf is expected to start, providing balance and overlapping runs on the flank.

In midfield, Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa will operate as the double pivot. Fernandes will act as the passer and transition link, while Magassa will handle the defensive duties and presses aggressively. Ahead of them, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Crysencio Summerville will form a lively attacking trio.

Bowen, on the right, will look to cut inside and shoot with his stronger left foot; Paqueta will act as the creative fulcrum in the central role, dictating tempo and unlocking defences; and Summerville, stationed on the left, will use his speed and trickery to stretch Brentford’s backline.

Up front, Callum Wilson will lead the attack. The English striker’s movement and physicality offer a different dimension to West Ham’s forward play, particularly on the counter. His ability to draw fouls, hold up play, and find space in the box will be crucial if the Hammers are to break their winless streak.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf; Fernandes, Magassa; Bowen, Paqueta, Summerville; Wilson

Brentford

Keith Andrews will have some relief on the injury front heading into the London derby, though Brentford are still missing a few key names. Midfielder Antoni Milambo remains sidelined with a persistent knock that has kept him out since the start of October. His absence deprives the Bees of a composed presence in midfield capable of linking play between the lines.

There was concern during the international break when Aaron Hickey picked up a minor injury while on duty with Scotland, but the full-back has since returned to training and is expected to be fit enough to feature, at least in some capacity, against West Ham. Meanwhile, midfield duo Jordan Henderson and Yehor Yarmolyuk have both recovered from minor fitness concerns and are fully fit to start. The Bees have no players suspended for this fixture, giving Andrews a near full-strength squad to choose from.

Up front, centre-forward Igor Thiago will once again lead the line and look to extend his strong early-season form, having already netted four Premier League goals. The Brazilian striker has been a bright spot for Brentford, combining strength and intelligent positioning to provide a reliable focal point in attack. He will rely on creative service from Mikkel Damsgaard, whose vision and technique will be key to unlocking West Ham’s defence.

Tactically, Brentford are expected to deploy a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, blending compact defensive organisation with quick transitions through the flanks. Caoimhin Kelleher will start in goal, continuing to impress as the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper.

The defensive line will feature Michael Kayode at right-back, offering pace and overlapping runs, while Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg form the central pairing, providing aerial dominance and composure on the ball. On the left, Aaron Hickey is likely to start, bringing balance and an attacking outlet down the flank.

In midfield, Jordan Henderson and Yehor Yarmolyuk will form the double pivot. Henderson’s experience and leadership will anchor the side, dictating tempo and recycling possession, while Yarmolyuk’s work rate and energy will help Brentford disrupt West Ham’s rhythm.

Ahead of them, the attacking trio of Dango Ouattara, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Kevin Schade will support the lone striker. Ouattara’s pace on the right and Schade’s direct dribbling on the left will be crucial in stretching the Hammers’ defensive line, while Damsgaard, playing centrally, will operate as the creative heartbeat, threading passes through to Thiago and exploiting any gaps in transition.

Leading the attack, Igor Thiago will spearhead Brentford’s frontline. His combination of power, anticipation, and finishing ability has made him Brentford’s most consistent threat in front of goal this season. Expect Andrews’s side to target West Ham’s full-backs with early crosses and quick counterattacks, using Thiago’s movement to disrupt their defensive shape.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Hickey; Henderson, Yarmolyuk; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago

Key Stats

• Brentford have an impressive record against West Ham United since their promotion to the Premier League. The Bees have won four of their last five league meetings with the Hammers, including a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium in February.

• The Hammers have endured a miserable run at the London Stadium, losing all three of their home Premier League games this season. Across those matches, they have conceded 10 goals, the joint-worst home defensive record in the league.

• While Brentford boast a strong record against West Ham, their away form this season has been poor. The Bees have lost all three of their league games on the road, conceding seven goals and scoring only twice.

• West Ham remain one of only two Premier League teams yet to lead at half-time this season. Interestingly, seven of their eight goals in all competitions have come in the second half, underlining their slow-start tendencies.

• Brentford striker Igor Thiago has been directly involved in four of his side’s nine Premier League goals this campaign, scoring all four himself. His conversion rate of 40% places him among the most efficient finishers in the division so far.

Player to Watch

Jarrod Bowen

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If West Ham United are to turn their season around, much of that responsibility will rest on the shoulders of Jarrod Bowen. The England international remains the Hammers’ most reliable attacking outlet, a relentless runner, clever mover, and composed finisher capable of producing moments of quality even when the team is under pressure.

Bowen’s directness and tireless work rate make him a nightmare for defenders. Operating primarily from the right wing in Nuno Espirito Santo’s 4-2-3-1 system, he constantly looks to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, creating shooting opportunities or linking up with Lucas Paquetá in central areas. His timing of runs beyond the striker and instinct for positioning inside the box have made him one of West Ham’s most consistent goal threats over the past two seasons.

What further sets Bowen apart is his discipline off the ball. He presses aggressively, tracks back to assist his full-back, and often sparks counter-attacks through his recovery runs. Against Brentford’s compact and disciplined defensive shape, Bowen’s ability to exploit space between Aaron Hickey and Sepp van den Berg could prove decisive.

Having already registered several key contributions this season despite West Ham’s struggles, Bowen will once again be counted on to provide the spark in attack. If the Hammers are to end their home drought, it will likely be through a moment of brilliance or persistence from their standout winger, a player who embodies both grit and quality in equal measure.

Prediction

West Ham United 1–1 Brentford

This London derby carries more weight than usual, with both West Ham United and Brentford desperate to pull away from the lower end of the Premier League table. For Nuno Espirito Santo, the challenge lies in transforming West Ham’s disjointed performances into a cohesive display, especially after three successive home defeats. Meanwhile, Keith Andrews will be keen to prove that Brentford can compete away from home after a poor start on the road.

West Ham’s attacking trio of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Crysencio Summerville is capable of unlocking defences, but the Hammers’ defensive fragility and slow starts remain major concerns. If they allow Brentford space in transition, particularly for Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade to counter, they could once again find themselves chasing the game.

Brentford, on the other hand, have been organised but inconsistent. Their improved defensive structure and Igor Thiago’s form in front of goal suggest they will pose a real threat, yet their lack of away results makes them hard to back for all three points.

Expect a fiercely contested, scrappy affair where both sides create chances but neither fully capitalises. With Bowen’s form and home advantage, West Ham might just do enough to edge a point, but not much more. The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw for Monday’s Premier League clash at the London Stadium.