Our next Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match is West Ham United v Brentford on Monday 26 February 2024. This fixture has only been played twice before in the Premier League (PL), with away wins to The Bees 1-2 in the 2021-22 season and 0-2 in 2022-23. Both Clubs need a win, perhaps one more desperately than the other.
West Ham United need the win having had 3 defeats in their February PL games without scoring a goal and conceding 11 viz. 3 v Manchester United (away); 6 v Arsenal (home); and 2 away to Nottingham Forest last weekend. The Hammers have slipped down to 9th with 36 points from 25 games, and dreams of European football next season are fading as pressure mounts on Manager David Moyes.
Brentford are down to 14th with 25 points from 25 games on the one-point-per-game watershed. Their February fixtures included two defeats by second placed and defending PL Champions Manchester City (1-3 home, 0-1 away); a 1-4 home defeat to PL leaders Liverpool; but a cheering 0-2 away win against Wolves. Will Thomas Frank see them safe finishing the month with more woes for East London?
The EFL Cup Final is on Sunday 25 February contested by two PL Clubs as so often is the case when it’s Chelsea v Liverpool. Last time it was 0-0 with a Reds win on penalties. The Blues have a developing penalty expert in Cole Palmer but he can only score once in the penalty shoot-out if it comes to that again. Good luck to both.
Our best wishes to Roy Hodgson, who, following a health scare, has stepped down as Manager at PLDs Club Crystal Palace after his most distinguished career.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.