It’s a top flight matchup in the FA Cup on Monday night, as Brentford travel to the London Stadium. West Ham were able to snatch a 1-0 victory from Craven Cottage midweek - Crysencio Summerville took advantage of an error at the back in the 65th minute, and the Hammers were able to hold on to their lead. 

West Ham caused frustration for the hosts, who were shown two yellow cards, meaning this selection has landed in seven of the last ten games for West Ham. 

Brentford have been in a positive patch of form, and their midweek draw against Bournemouth meant they have only lost one of their last seven matches across all competitions. However, cards have still been common for the Bees, and they were even booked twice against National League side Macclesfield FC in the previous round of the FA Cup. They committed 14 fouls in that 1-0 win.

Meanwhile, West Ham were almost on the receiving end of a massive upset in round four, but they were just about able to edge past Burton Albion in extra-time. Once again, it was Summerville to the rescue, as he scored the only goal of the contest. Despite Burton being in League One, it was quite an even contest in terms of shots and xG. West Ham were the dominant side in terms of possession, though, and they racked up ten corners in regular time. Burton, however, managed three themselves, and they added another four in extra-time. 

West Ham are averaging 11.42 corners per game this season in the Premier League, highlighting how chances are usually available at both ends of the field. There were 16 corners when these sides last met at the London Stadium in October, and the Bees accounted for ten of those.

Brentford were the dominant side in that encounter, and they racked up 22 shots and five big chances worth 2.37 xG. They were easily able to carve through West Ham’s midfield, and found plenty of success in the final third. Igor Thiago scored one goal in that game, but he very easily could have bagged a hat-trick. 

The Brazilian accumulated six shots, with three of those hitting the target. He also struck the woodwork on one occasion, and missed two big chances. Thiago has scored 18 goals in 29 Premier League appearances this season, ranking him second in the Golden Boot race, only behind Erling Haaland. 

Even though West Ham have improved significantly since the start of the season, they still haven’t been completely watertight at the back, and Brentford should be able to find chances. Thiago has been a tough player to contain this campaign, and the 24-year-old will be looking forward to this matchup.

Michael Kayode also played a big role in that victory when these sides last met, as he recorded seven key passes and even had one big chance created. He wasn’t fouled in that game, but the Italian international has been adept at drawing free-kicks this season, and is averaging 1.39 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions. 

That figure rises to 1.53 fouls drawn per 90 on the road, as this selection has landed in 11 of his last 12 starts. The only game it failed to land was against Macclesfield in the previous round of the FA Cup, but Brentford were only fouled six times as a team. This upcoming match against West Ham should be more evenly-balanced, which makes this market appeal. 

Kayode should find duels against Summerville, who is averaging 1.78 fouls per 90 in the Premier League this season.