Since gaining promotion in 2021, Brentford have been a consistent presence in the Premier League, finishing in the top half of the table in three of the last four seasons. As their consistency and talent build, they move closer to a European bid. You’d have to imagine they felt a bit of jealousy watching Sunderland jump into the Europa League last year, during their first Premier League campaign since 2017. Now these two sides meet for a clash of hopeful Prem mainstays.
Brentford are -170 favorites on the moneyline for this one on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a draw available at +300. Sunderland’s moneyline is set at +450.
Brentford vs. Sunderland Prediction, Pick
So far, so good for the Bees in this campaign. They dismantled Tottenham 3-0 on the first matchday of the season, then put a 6-1 beating on Birmingham in their opening EFL Cup match. Dropping points against Leeds United had to be a bit of a disappointment, but it was an announcement for their rising star man, Kevin Schade.
It’s no wonder that bigger clubs are sniffing around Brentford to procure his services. He figures to be a fixture in a deep and talented Brentford attack that is looking to make noise this season. But to get where they want to go, the back line has to be better. That starts with top center back Kristoffer Ajer; the veteran has been the tone setter in Brentford’s defense since his arrival. They need him to set a strong example on and off the pitch.
It was a relatively quiet summer for this upstart Sunderland team; veteran right back Thomas Meunier is the only arrival who has upset the starting XI. And a quiet summer has been followed by a quiet beginning to the season. On match day one, former Sunderland man Jack Clarke thumped home a winner for the home side, as Ipswich claimed a 2-1 victory. A 75th-minute goal by Wilson Isidor powered Sunderland to the win over Fulham in their second match, putting them at three points through two matches.
This match will be decided between Brentford’s attack and Sunderland’s back line. We’ve seen these Bees fly on numerous occasions, but Sunderland have a veteran line led by Nordi Mukiele, who put the hurt on Fulham’s attack last time out. If they can grind down Brentford’s attack and frustrate them, they have the platform for the attack to succeed. It places a lot of burden on the shoulders of Brian Brobbey and Isidor, Sunderland’s two main strikers, to finish their chances and give the defense a platform to dig in.
I can’t ignore the value on Sunderland here. They don’t have as much talent as Brentford, but their defense has stolen them a lot of points against mid-table clubs like the Bees.
