Bournemouth and Brentford will kick off their EFL Trophy campaign this Tuesday at the Vitality Stadium.
The EFL Cup returns this week with an intriguing second-round clash as Bournemouth host Brentford at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening. Both sides enter the contest eyeing a cup run that could spark ambitions of European football, while also looking to build confidence in the early stages of the season.
Andoni Iraola’s side showed plenty of character in their opening Premier League match at Anfield, where Antoine Semenyo struck twice in a spirited display against Liverpool. Despite eventually falling 4-2, the Cherries left Merseyside with credit for their attacking intent. They quickly bounced back on home soil at the weekend, securing a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers courtesy of Marcus Tavernier’s early strike.
Having watched Crystal Palace claim the FA Cup and Newcastle United win the EFL Cup last season, Bournemouth have proof that clubs outside the established elite can lift silverware. With Europe narrowly slipping away last season due to a late collapse in form, Iraola and his squad may see domestic cups as both a realistic chance of success and a safety net should their league campaign falter in the spring.
Brentford, meanwhile, have entered a period of transition after long-serving manager Thomas Frank departed for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. The loss of talisman Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United compounded their difficulties, while Yoane Wissa’s desire to join Newcastle has left him sidelined from the squad for now. Into this turbulence stepped Keith Andrews, tasked with steadying the ship in his first major managerial assignment.
The new boss endured a rocky start as his team slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on the opening weekend, shipping all three goals before half-time. But Brentford responded positively against Aston Villa last time out, recording a narrow 1-0 victory. Remarkably, the winner was scored by £42.5 million signing Dango Ouattara, ironically acquired from Bournemouth just days earlier.
Despite only managing 24 per cent possession against Aston Villa, Brentford carved out more big chances and came away with a clean sheet. The result may not have fully convinced the fanbase, but it showcased both attacking potential and defensive resilience, key traits Andrews will hope to strengthen as the campaign unfolds. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola will once again be without striker Enes Unal, who remains sidelined as he recovers from a long-term cruciate ligament injury. Midfielder Lewis Cook is also unavailable after sustaining a knee problem, leaving Bournemouth short of depth in the centre of the pitch. Fortunately, there are no new suspension issues for the Cherries ahead of the EFL Cup tie.
In attack, Brazilian forward Evanilson is expected to lead the line, with Justin Kluivert likely to be brought into the starting XI to play just behind him in a central supporting role, potentially rotating with Marcus Tavernier. Further back, Alex Scott could be partnered by Ryan Christie in central midfield, offering both balance and ball progression in Iraola’s setup.
On the flanks, Antoine Semenyo, who impressed with a brace on the opening day at Liverpool, may be deployed from the left if Iraola opts to go strong in the cup. On the right, teenage winger Ben Doak, who was on the bench against Wolves , is tipped for a debut start, giving Bournemouth fresh energy in wide areas. At the back, the defence is expected to consist of Adam Smith at right-back, Bafode Diakite and Marcos Senesi as the central pairing, and Adrien Truffert on the left. Goalkeeper Will Dennis should take his place between the posts.
Bournemouth are therefore likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Will Dennis will be in goal, behind a defensive four of Adam Smith, Bafode Diakite, Marcos Senesi, and Adrien Truffert. Ryan Christie and Alex Scott will anchor the midfield in deeper roles, with Ben Doak on the right wing, Antoine Semenyo on the left, and Justin Kluivert operating as the central playmaker. Evanilson will spearhead the attack as the lone striker.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dennis; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Christie, Scott; Doak, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson
Bournemouth vs Brentford: Preview and Prediction.
Brentford
Keith Andrews has several selection concerns to manage ahead of their trip to Bournemouth. Ethan Pinnock is doubtful with a hamstring injury, meaning Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg are expected to continue as the central defensive pairing. On the right side of defence, Aaron Hickey is in line to make his long-awaited first competitive start in almost two years after a prolonged battle with injuries, while Keane Lewis-Potter should be stationed on the opposite flank at left-back.
In midfield, the Bees are still without Vitaly Janelt, who is not expected back until next month at the earliest. Jordan Henderson should provide experience and control in the middle of the park, likely partnered by Frank Onyeka, who offers work rate and defensive cover. Further up the pitch, forward Gustavo Nunes remains unavailable as he recovers from a hamstring problem.
As a result, recent signing Dango Ouattara could start against his former club on the left wing, with Kevin Schade providing pace and width on the right. Mikkel Damsgaard should operate as the playmaker in the number 10 role, tasked with linking midfield to attack. Up front, striker Igor Thiago will lead the line, hoping to use his physical presence and finishing ability to trouble Bournemouth’s backline.
Brentford are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Hakon Valdimarsson will start in goal, with Aaron Hickey at right-back, Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg forming the centre-back pairing, and Keane Lewis-Potter at left-back.
Frank Onyeka and Jordan Henderson will patrol the midfield base, while Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara take up the wide positions. Mikkel Damsgaard will slot into the attacking midfield role, supporting Igor Thiago, who will spearhead the attack as the lone striker.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Valdimarsson; Hickey, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Onyeka, Henderson; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago
Bournemouth vs Brentford: Preview and Prediction.
Key Stats
Bournemouth and Brentford have faced each other ten times across all competitions since 2019, with both clubs winning three matches apiece and the other four ending in draws, underlining how evenly matched this fixture has been in recent years.
Bournemouth are aiming to progress beyond the second round of the EFL Cup for the first time since 2021/22, when they reached the last 16. Brentford, by contrast, have developed a reputation as a cup side in recent seasons, reaching the quarter-finals in 2020/21 and the semi-finals in 2021/22.
The Vitality Stadium has been a reliable venue for Bournemouth in knockout football—they have lost only one of their last seven home ties in the EFL Cup, scoring at least twice in five of those matches.
The Bees have struggled away from home in cup competitions, winning just two of their last eight away ties in the EFL Cup. Both of those wins came against lower-league opposition, highlighting their difficulties against top-flight sides on the road.
Brentford’s record signing Dango Ouattara could face his former club less than two weeks after leaving Bournemouth. The winger scored on his Bees debut against Aston Villa at the weekend, making him a player to watch in this emotionally charged return to the Vitality.
Player to Watch
Ben Doak
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One of the most exciting young prospects in English football, Ben Doak could be handed his first significant opportunity in a Bournemouth shirt during this EFL Cup clash. The 19-year-old winger, signed from Liverpool, is known for his blistering pace, fearless dribbling, and ability to take on defenders one-versus-one.
Doak has already impressed in youth football and in flashes at senior level, but a competitive debut here would provide him with the platform to showcase his talent in front of the Cherries’ supporters. With Andoni Iraola expected to rotate his squad for the midweek fixture, Doak may be given the chance to start on the right flank, where his direct style of play can stretch Brentford’s backline and create space for teammates.
For a Bournemouth side eager to make a deep cup run, Doak’s youthful energy and unpredictability could prove invaluable. If he can seize this opportunity, the Scottish teenager may quickly establish himself as an exciting option in Iraola’s attacking arsenal.
Prediction
Bournemouth 2-1 Brentford
Both sides have reason to view the EFL Cup as a pathway to success. Bournemouth are keen to establish consistency and keep the feel-good factor alive under Iraola, while Brentford are adjusting to life under new leadership and significant squad turnover.
The Cherries’ strong home form and greater squad stability could give them the edge, but Brentford’s counter-attacking threat cannot be ignored. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Andoni Iraola and his charges.