Prediction and odds for the game: Stoke City (4/1) v Brentford (7/10)

We are backing over 2.5 goals at odds of 10/11

When: Saturday, 18th July 2020, Kick-off 12:30

Where: The Bet365 Stadium

On Saturday afternoon, Stoke City host Brentford at the Bet365 Stadium, in what could prove a pivotal game in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Stoke

The Potters are currently five points clear of the relegation zone with just two games remaining. Michael O’Neill’s team should be safe with so many teams below them. However, they will not feel completely secure until they are mathematically safe.

Stoke’s recent league form has been inconsistent in the second tier, but a record of seven points from their last four Championship matches is not a terrible one. Last time out, the north west outfit pulled off a creditable 1-1 draw at promotion-chasing Bristol City.

Their recent home form in the Championship has played a big role in moving away from the relegation zone. The Potters have won four of their last five league games at the Bet365 Stadium while scoring at least two goals in each of the four recent home victories. There have also been at least two goals scored in each of Stoke’s last seven home matches in the second tier.

A negative for Stoke is that they have failed to win any of their last four meetings with Brentford in all competitions.

Brentford

The Bees are still right in the thick of the race for automatic promotion to the English top-flight. Thomas Frank’s team are currently two points behind second-place West Brom, ahead of the Baggies game against Huddersfield on Friday evening.

The visitors are only three points behind top of the table Leeds, although the Whites have a game in-hand on Thursday against Barnsley. A victory for the leaders would confirm a return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.

A winning run of eight league games has powered the Bees promotion challenge. Frank’s team has also scored at least two goals in six of their last eight outings in the Championship. The Bees have been prolific all season and no team in the second tier has bettered their goal tally of 79.

The visitors are unbeaten in four away games in the Championship, having recorded their last three league matches on their travels. The Bees attacking threat has been perfectly illustrated in recent away matches, as they have scored at least twice in their previous four league matches on their travels.

Conclusion

This could be a potentially difficult game for the visitors, as Stoke are strong on home soil. However, we are backing the visitor’s momentum to pull them through and pick up the victory. The Potters have been prolific on home soil of late, while as previously mentioned the Bees are the league’s top goalscorers. Therefore, the other bet we are backing is over 2.5 goals scored.

Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 7/10 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 10/11. (All odds are taken from Bet365).

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