Brentford vs Sunderland: Can the Bees maintain their strong home form?

Brentford welcome Sunderland to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, with both sides looking to build on promising starts to the Premier League season.

Keith Andrews' side have taken four points from their opening two matches after drawing 1-1 at Leeds United last weekend.

Kevin Schade was again on target at Elland Road, continuing his remarkable record of Brentford never losing a Premier League match in which he has scored.

Confident in his side, Andrews said: "The team feel good, are in a good place, so are ready for the challenge."

Brentford have also made an explosive attacking start, scoring 10 goals across all competitions and registering 48 Premier League shots, with only Manchester United managing more.

The Bees' home form could prove decisive, too. They have kept five Premier League clean sheets at the Gtech Community Stadium during 2026, matching their combined total from 2024 and 2025.

Sunderland arrive in west London after claiming their first league victory of the campaign, with Wilson Isidor coming off the bench to score the only goal against Fulham.

The Black Cats also produced 2.02 expected goals in that match, their second-highest total in a Premier League game since returning to the top flight.

Regis Le Bris knows his side face a difficult assignment, describing Brentford as "intense, well-organised, consistent" after Sunderland suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Bees at this ground last season.

That result extended Sunderland's winless run in this fixture to four matches, while they have also lost their last three Premier League games in London, conceding three goals in each.

There is renewed optimism around Sunderland, however, following a busy transfer window. Malick Fofana joined from Lyon on deadline day after Crystal Palace attempted to hijack the deal, adding another attacking option.

Le Bris also confirmed that Habib Diarra will miss around six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury, while Chemsdine Talbi's future remains uncertain.

Brentford have their own selection concerns, with Mathias Jensen ruled out by a minor issue, while Josh Dasilva, Sepp van den Berg and Antoni Milambo are also unavailable.

Andrews has praised Brentford's recruitment, particularly record signing Mamadou Sangare, while the manager believes the squad's summer business has left the club well prepared.

The hosts appear to have the stronger momentum and home advantage, but Sunderland's improved attacking options should ensure this is not straightforward.

Brentford will also hope their attacking efficiency continues, particularly with Schade once again among the key threats.

Sunderland, meanwhile, can take confidence from their Fulham victory and the attacking options added before the transfer deadline.

With both teams capable of creating chances, Saturday's contest could come down to which defence handles the pressure better when the game becomes stretched late on again.

Predicted line-ups:

Predicted Brentford starting XI: Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Sangare; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago.

Predicted Sunderland starting XI: Roefs; Meunier, Mukiele, Ballard, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Fofana, Le Fee, Angulo; Isidor.