Bournemouth welcome Brentford to the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night in the second round of the EFL Cup, with both sides eager to put together a cup run that could spark their European ambitions.
Andoni Iraola’s men arrive in good spirits after a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves at the weekend, with Marcus Tavernier striking early to secure their first league victory of the season.
That followed their brave but losing effort at Anfield, where Antoine Semenyo’s brace was not enough against Liverpool. With cup competitions offering a realistic route to silverware, Bournemouth will see this tie as a chance to build momentum.
Brentford, meanwhile, are adapting to life after Thomas Frank and Bryan Mbeumo. New manager Keith Andrews oversaw a poor start against Nottingham Forest, but his side bounced back with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
Record signing Dango Ouattara, facing his old club so soon after leaving, grabbed the decisive goal.
With both clubs looking to show ambition beyond the league, Tuesday’s clash promises to be a tight and competitive encounter.
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Bournemouth vs. Brentford lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news
Bournemouth remain without striker Enes Unal, who is still recovering from a serious knee injury, while Lewis Cook also misses out.
Evanilson is expected to lead the line, with Justin Kluivert pushing to start behind him. Alex Scott may join Ryan Christie in midfield, while Antoine Semenyo could feature from the left if Iraola treats the tie strongly.
Ben Doak, who was on the bench against Wolves, may get his first start on the right.
Bournemouth predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Dennis (GK) — Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert — Christie, Scott — Gannon Doak, Kluivert, Semenyo — Evanilson
Injured: Enes Unal (knee), Lewis Cook (knee)
Suspended: None
Brentford have concerns over Ethan Pinnock, who is struggling with a hamstring issue. Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg should continue in central defence, with Aaron Hickey set for a long-awaited return at right-back.
Vitaly Janelt is sidelined, and Gustavo Nunes is also unavailable. Jordan Henderson is likely to anchor the midfield with Frank Onyeka, while Dango Ouattara faces his old club on the wing.
Kevin Schade should feature on the opposite flank, with Igor Thiago up front.
Brentford predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Valdimarsson (GK) — Hickey, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter — Onyeka, Henderson — Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade — Thiago
Injured: Ethan Pinnock (hamstring), Vitaly Janelt (Heel), Gustavo Nunes (hamstring)
Suspended: None
Bournemouth vs. Brentford match details
- Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Kickoff time: 7:45 p.m. local / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
- Location: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth (England)
- Competition: EFL Cup
- Referee: Michael Salisbury
- Fourth Official: Farai Hallam
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