An FA Cup Run Can Make Life Seem Brighter for Bees or Wolves

Brentford vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

The FA Cup is a paradise for dreamers.

Wolves can attest to that as winners of the famous trophy on four separate occasions.

For Brentford, the quarter-finals is the furthest they have ever reached (most recently in 1989).

Yet a new year brings renewed optimism and, with star striker Ivan Toney due to return from a long-term suspension after this contest, perhaps the Bees can embark on a confidence-inducing run full of FA Cup highlights.

Talking Points

Toney’s return, for Brentford’s next league match at home to Nottingham Forest, cannot come soon enough for a team which has gone down to five straight defeats.

They may be four points clear of safety but the relegation threat is lurking menacingly and the immediate priority to halt their slump is to tighten up after conceding seven goals in their last two defeats.

They have lost three of their last four home games as well, which is a cause for concern for a club, let’s remember, which is only its third season in the Premier League.

Wolves have no such issues and are a different proposition to the side of 12 months ago.

When 2022 ended they found themselves in the relegation zone. Twelve months on they are 13 points clear of trouble and playing impressive football under Gary O’Neil.

The boys from the Black County have also claimed a few scalps this term, not least Manchester City, and come into the contest on the back of three consecutive Premier League wins: a 4-1 victory over the Bees sandwiched between an impressive 2-1 win over Chelsea and a 3-0 success over Everton last time out.

Both teams will have to shuffle the pack for this tie in the absence of international stars.

Influential defender Ben Mee remains suspended, while manager Thomas Frank has a number of players on the sidelines due to injury or international duty.

Yoane Wissa, Frank Onyeka and Saman Ghoddos have all left for the AFCON tournament with their respective national teams.

In addition, midfielder Josh Dasilva and right back Aaron Hickey are out with hamstring injuries and lively frontman Bryan Mbeumo will also miss the match on Saturday due to an ankle injury.

While Wolves have no fresh concerns. O’Neil will be without the

services of Boubacar Traore, Rayan Ait-Nouri and the in-form Hee-Chan Hwang due to their international call-ups.

Mario Lemina has left training following a family bereavement and Jonny Castro remains unavailable.

Brentford have progressed from just one of their past 16 FA Cup ties against top-flight opponents, beating Sunderland 2-1 as a League One side in 2005-06. They lost 1-0 at home to West Ham United at this stage last season.

What a fillip a victory on Saturday would be for the hosts.

History

Brentford’s only victory in their past nine league games (drawn two, lost six) against Wolves was a 2-0 success at Molineux in September 2021.

Indeed, the Bees have failed to beat Wolves at home in each of their previous five home league fixtures, including last week when two goals in as many minutes from Lemina and Hee-chan set the boys from the Black Country on their way to a 4-1 romp.

Hee-chan added another and Jeanricner Bellegarde was on target with Wissa briefly giving the hosts hope.

This league clash last season ended 1-1 when Mee’s opener was cancelled out within two minutes by Ruben Neves.

Wolves won the return fixture 2-0 in the Black Country as Diego Costa and Hee-chan netted in each half.

Brentford last defeated Wolves at home in 2016 when both clubs were in the Championship. On that occasion, they ran out 3-0 home victors, courtesy of John Swift (two) and Sergi Canos.

Overall, Brentford have tasted success 12 times, Wolves 16 and there have been four draws.

Their inaugural meeting came in the former Division One in 1935 when Wolves emerged 3-2 winners.

Betting Tip

Despite the gap between the sides last week, Brentford are favourites with the SBOTOP FA Cup betting odds.

The Bees are on offer 1X2 @ 2.28 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.11, while Wolves are priced 1X2 @ 2.69 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.07.

A draw, which would lead to a third-round replay, will pay out @ 3.05, while a repeat of the scoreline from a week ago – Correct Score 1-4 – is available at a whopping @ 110.00.

I expect goals in this cup tie and have looked at Over 2.50 @ 2.06, Total Goal 0-1 @ 2.87, 2-3 @ 1.82 and 4-6 @ 3.80.

Brentford need a change of fortune but I don’t think they will get it in this tie which is why I’m opting for a ⭐⭐⭐ tip of Asian Handicap Wolves 0.00 @ 2.07.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.