Fighting for a cup run to inspire their European dreams, Bournemouth are set to face Brentford on Tuesday for a second round EFL Cup clash at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries will be looking to build on their win at the weekend, while the Bees are hoping for back-to-back victories in midweek.
Match preview
Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth started 2025-26 with a strong performance against Liverpool at Anfield, but despite two goals from Antoine Semenyo and a spirited battle, they were ultimately beaten 4-2 on the Premier League's opening day.
However, they followed up that defeat by taking all three points in their first home match of the season, triumphing 1-0 over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday courtesy of a fourth-minute strike from Marcus Tavernier..
After seeing Crystal Palace lift the FA Cup last season and Newcastle United win the League Cup, the Cherries will feel inspired by the fact that clubs from outside of the traditional big six were able to earn silverware.
Iraola's side will also watch on as the Eagles compete in their first continental campaign after securing their first-ever major trophy, and Bournemouth may see the cups as a viable alternative way to achieve their goals.
The Cherries began 2024-25 in commendable form but fell short of qualifying for UEFA competition due to a poor final few months in the top flight, and they will be keen to have a contingency in place should a similar drop off occur this time around.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews on August 17, 2025
Meanwhile, Keith Andrews's Brentford have endured a summer of change after losing long-term manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur, as well as talisman Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United.
Yoane Wissa has also had his head turned by Newcastle, and his push for a move to the Magpies has seen him exiled from the Bees squad for the time being.
With this tumultuous backdrop, Andrews's men made the worst possible start to life under the new boss, losing 3-1 to Nottingham Forest on matchday one and conceding all three goals before half time.
That being said, the Bees did bounce back from that worrying result with a 1-0 victory over Unai Emery's Aston Villa, with £42.5m club-record signing Dango Ouattara - who coincidentally joined from Bournemouth a little over a week ago - netting the winner on his debut.
However, fans may not be entirely convinced by the Londoners' performance given that they had just 24% possession, though they did produce more big chances than their opponents while also keeping a clean sheet, highlighting both the potency of their attack and the resilience of their defence.
Bournemouth form (all competitions):
Brentford form (all competitions):
Team News
Dango Ouattara of Brentford scores to make it 1-0 on August 23, 2025
Bournemouth will be without striker Enes Unal once again as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, while midfielder Lewis Cook is also sidelined due to a knee injury.
In their absence, Evanilson should start up top in midweek, supported by Justin Kluivert, who could come in for Marcus Tavernier to start behind the centre-forward, and Alex Scott may partner Ryan Christie in a deeper role this week.
Out wide, Antoine Semenyo could operate on the left flank if Iraola considers the cup a priority, while Ben Gannon Doak, who was on the bench against Wolves, is in line for a debut on the right.
As for Brentford, centre-back Ethan Pinnock is a doubt due to a hamstring injury, so expect to see Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg continue at the heart of the defence, with Aaron Hickey potentially making his first competitive start at right-back after almost two years of injury troubles.
Elsewhere, midfielder Vitaly Janelt is not likely to be back in action until next month at the earliest, and Jordan Henderson could be joined by Frank Onyeka in the centre of the park on Tuesday.
The Bees will also be missing forward Gustavo Nunes as he works his way back into contention from a hamstring issue, so Dango Ouattara could start against his former club with Kevin Schade on the opposite flank, while striker Igor Thiago leads the line.
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Dennis; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Christie, Scott; Gannon Doak, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Valdimarsson; Hickey, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Onyeka, Henderson; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago
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We say: Bournemouth 2-1 Brentford
Bournemouth could rotate some of their usual starting XI, but Semenyo, Evanilson and Gannon Doak are a threatening proposition.
While Brentford won at the weekend, they were thoroughly dominated in terms of possession, and Iraola's side could make better use of the ball than Villa.
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