Brentford have won each of their last four meetings with Southampton, scoring 11 times and scoring only once, despite winning only two of the previous 12 encounters, dating back to 1959.
Southampton vs Brentford Preview
Following a miserable first half of the season, Southampton require the greatest of all great escapes if they're to still be a Premier League club for much more of 2025. The Saints kick off rock bottom of the division with just six points to their name; only two clubs have accumulated six points, or fewer, 19 matches into a Premier League season, namely Sunderland in 05/06 and Sheffield United four seasons ago. Last time out, they were beaten again, this time 2-1 by Crystal Palace, despite actually taking the lead through Tyler Dibling in South London. Ivan Jurić has therefore lost both matches by a solitary goal since taking charge, also beaten by West Ham on Boxing Day, so, having yielded just two points from their last nine outings, Southampton start the new year ten points from safety.
Brentford meantime make the 70 mile journey south winless in five, but will surely see this as a golden chance to get back to winning ways. On New Year's Day, the Bees appeared set to a spring a massive surprise, taking the lead at home to Arsenal thanks to Bryan Mbeumo's left-footed drive, only to be beaten 3-1, conceding two, quick-fire goals shortly after half time.
That's now back-to-back home loses for Thomas Frank's team, who'd been unbeatable on home turf beforehand, meaning they've yielded just a solitary point from their four league fixtures either-side of Christmas, also dumped out of the EFL Cup by Newcastle during this period. Away from home, Brentford have collected a miserly two points from nine Premier League road matches to date, holding both Everton and, most-recently, Brighton to goalless draws, so can the Bees claim their first away win since 11 May by the South Coast?
Southampton vs Brentford Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 72.
- Southampton Wins: 34. Draws: 13. Brentford Wins: 25.
Southampton Team News
Mateus Fernandes is suspended, while Will Smallbone remains sidelined, meaning Lesley Ugochukwu is likely to come into midfield. James Bree could keep his place at right-wing-back, chosen over Yukinari Sugawara, while Armel Bella-Kotchap is hoping to feature in the Premier League for the first time all season, having been in the proverbial wilderness under Russell Martin. Up front, Paul Onuachu has started both matches under Ivan Jurić, a trend that'll continue, set to be partnered by Adam Armstrong again, chosen over top-scorer Cameron Archer, with Ben Brereton Díaz and Ross Stewart injured.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Brentford: (3-4-2-1): Ramsdale; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Ugochukwu, Aribo, Dibling; Onuachu, Armstrong.
Southampton Player to Watch vs Brentford
Aaron Ramsdale made his Southampton debut at Brentford in August, winning all six of his meetings with the Saints prior to this 3-1 defeat, while he's expecting another busy afternoon here.
Brentford Team News
Thomas Frank has almost an entire starting XI worth of players missing, namely Ethan Pinnock, Kristoffer Ajer, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasvila, Fábio Carvalho, Gustavo Nunes and Igor Thiago. In some much-needed good news, Mathias Jensen came off the bench on Wednesday, his first appearance since November due to a calf injury, while Sepp van den Berg also returned to the team against Arsenal. Thomas Frank deployed a more rigid 4-4-2 on New Year's Day, but Kevin Schade is likely to lead the line this time, switching back to a front three.
Brentford predicted lineup vs Southampton: (4-3-3): Flekken; Roerslev, van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Nørgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbuemo, Wissa, Schade.
Brentford Player to Watch vs Southampton
Bryan Mbeumo slotted home his 11th of the season in mid-week while, having bagged a brace when Southampton visited West London in August, he's scored three in his last three against the Saints.
Southampton vs Brentford Prediction
We are backing Brentford to, belatedly, claim their first away win of the campaign. Southampton are simply out of their depth at Premier League level, despite improved performances under Jurić, so despite being blighted by injuries, we're forecasting the Bees will claim victory: Southampton 1-2 Brentford.
Southampton vs Brentford FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Southampton vs Brentford Premier League game on TV channel?
Southampton vs Brentford Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 6 Canada
How to watch Southampton vs Brentford Premier League game on live streaming?
Southampton vs Brentford Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Southampton vs Brentford in the Premier League?
Southampton vs Brentford takes place on Saturday 4 January 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (EDT) & 7:00 (PST).