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Bournemouth, Brentford Pre-Season Friendlies Yield Mixed Results and FPL Insights
In August, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford staged pre‑season showpieces that served both as tactical laboratories and a goldmine of early data for Fantasy Premier League managers. Bournemouth fell 2‑2 to Real Betis in Seville, while Brentford dispatched Rennes twice—first 2‑1, then 4‑2—in France.
Bournemouth vs Real Betis – 2‑2
The Cherries’ sixth pre‑season friendly finished 2‑2 at Estadio de La Cartuja. Marco Rose selected a robust lineup, deploying Justin Kluivert in the number‑10 role for the third time this summer. Marcus Tavernier and Brazilian winger Evanilson each found the net, while Alex Tóth supplied a pass to Tavernier and added a goal himself.
Late in the match, a tussle between Alex Scott and Real Betis’ Antony led to both players being sent off. The BBC reported the confrontation during the first half.
The game also highlighted injury concerns and squad depth. Amine Adli exited after a half‑time injury, and David Brooks, Ryan Christie, Tyler Adams, Alvaro Rodriguez and Julio Soler were absent. Club statements say Brooks and Christie should return shortly, while Adams will be monitored in the coming days.
Brentford vs Rennes – 2‑1
The Bees’ opening friendly with Rennes took place behind closed doors at La Piverdière training centre. Keith Andrews’ first‑team XI included Kristoffer Ajer, Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade and Josh Dasilva. Henry, absent from Premier League action since March, played 73 minutes before being swapped for Theo Mawene.
Alan Do Marcolino gave Rennes the lead, but Brentford levelled at the 60‑minute mark through Jayden Meghoma, who had replaced Schade. Half‑time substitute Gustavo Nunes provided the equaliser and an assist for Kaye Furo, who sealed the result.
Brentford vs Rennes – 4‑2
In the second friendly at Roazhon Park, the Bees surged to a 4‑2 victory over Rennes. Brazilian striker Igor Thiago, returning from a World Cup‑induced hiatus, opened the scoring with a header from a Mathias Jensen corner. Vitaly Janelt and Ethan Pinnock also converted set‑piece chances, highlighting Brentford’s aerial threat.
Dango Ouattara and Callum Wilson added to the tally, with Wilson also delivering an assist for Ouattara. New signing Mamadou Sangaré made his debut, registering 12 defensive contributions in 64 minutes—a stat that would have earned him DefCon points in a Premier League match.
Head coach Keith Andrews lauded the display: “I’m pleased with a lot of aspects of the game. When you start building a pre‑season programme, you want to try and hit certain parts of the game at certain stages of pre‑season. The obvious one is the physical output that the players were able to put into it, to put them in a good place for the next few weeks and beyond.”
Brentford striker Callum Wilson reflected on his early impact: “It’s nice to be getting chances in this team. I was delighted to get on the scoresheet and to help other people, but I’m disappointed I didn’t score more. It’s a feeling of frustration, but that’s the striker in me.”
Implications for FPL and the clubs
Bournemouth’s 2‑2 draw kept the Cherries unbeaten in pre‑season, with Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson continuing to find the net. The regular deployment of Justin Kluivert in the number‑10 slot offers Fantasy Premier League managers a clear early‑season option.
Brentford’s twin wins over Rennes supplied a bounty of data for fantasy managers. Three corner‑derived goals in the second match underscored the team’s set‑piece potency, while the emergence of new signings Igor Thiago, Callum Wilson and Mamadou Sangaré added fresh options. Mikkel Damsgaard’s and Kevin Schade’s creative involvement also signals potential midfield assets.
Current situation
Bournemouth will work to reintegrate returning players David Brooks, Ryan Christie and Tyler Adams while keeping a close eye on Amine Adli’s recovery. The club’s pre‑season calendar will feature additional fixtures before the Premier League campaign kicks off on 21 August.
Brentford plans to use the remaining pre‑season matches to refine squad rotation and evaluate the balance among Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade and the new attacking midfielders. Maintaining peak physical condition and capitalising on set‑piece threats will remain priorities as the season approaches.
With clearer insights into attacking options, injury status and tactical setups, both clubs will step into the competitive year better positioned for managers and Fantasy Premier League participants.
Bournemouth vs Real Betis – 2‑2
The Cherries’ sixth pre‑season friendly finished 2‑2 at Estadio de La Cartuja. Marco Rose selected a robust lineup, deploying Justin Kluivert in the number‑10 role for the third time this summer. Marcus Tavernier and Brazilian winger Evanilson each found the net, while Alex Tóth supplied a pass to Tavernier and added a goal himself.
Late in the match, a tussle between Alex Scott and Real Betis’ Antony led to both players being sent off. The BBC reported the confrontation during the first half.
The game also highlighted injury concerns and squad depth. Amine Adli exited after a half‑time injury, and David Brooks, Ryan Christie, Tyler Adams, Alvaro Rodriguez and Julio Soler were absent. Club statements say Brooks and Christie should return shortly, while Adams will be monitored in the coming days.
Brentford vs Rennes – 2‑1
The Bees’ opening friendly with Rennes took place behind closed doors at La Piverdière training centre. Keith Andrews’ first‑team XI included Kristoffer Ajer, Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade and Josh Dasilva. Henry, absent from Premier League action since March, played 73 minutes before being swapped for Theo Mawene.
Alan Do Marcolino gave Rennes the lead, but Brentford levelled at the 60‑minute mark through Jayden Meghoma, who had replaced Schade. Half‑time substitute Gustavo Nunes provided the equaliser and an assist for Kaye Furo, who sealed the result.
Brentford vs Rennes – 4‑2
In the second friendly at Roazhon Park, the Bees surged to a 4‑2 victory over Rennes. Brazilian striker Igor Thiago, returning from a World Cup‑induced hiatus, opened the scoring with a header from a Mathias Jensen corner. Vitaly Janelt and Ethan Pinnock also converted set‑piece chances, highlighting Brentford’s aerial threat.
Dango Ouattara and Callum Wilson added to the tally, with Wilson also delivering an assist for Ouattara. New signing Mamadou Sangaré made his debut, registering 12 defensive contributions in 64 minutes—a stat that would have earned him DefCon points in a Premier League match.
Head coach Keith Andrews lauded the display: “I’m pleased with a lot of aspects of the game. When you start building a pre‑season programme, you want to try and hit certain parts of the game at certain stages of pre‑season. The obvious one is the physical output that the players were able to put into it, to put them in a good place for the next few weeks and beyond.”
Brentford striker Callum Wilson reflected on his early impact: “It’s nice to be getting chances in this team. I was delighted to get on the scoresheet and to help other people, but I’m disappointed I didn’t score more. It’s a feeling of frustration, but that’s the striker in me.”
Implications for FPL and the clubs
Bournemouth’s 2‑2 draw kept the Cherries unbeaten in pre‑season, with Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson continuing to find the net. The regular deployment of Justin Kluivert in the number‑10 slot offers Fantasy Premier League managers a clear early‑season option.
Brentford’s twin wins over Rennes supplied a bounty of data for fantasy managers. Three corner‑derived goals in the second match underscored the team’s set‑piece potency, while the emergence of new signings Igor Thiago, Callum Wilson and Mamadou Sangaré added fresh options. Mikkel Damsgaard’s and Kevin Schade’s creative involvement also signals potential midfield assets.
Current situation
Bournemouth will work to reintegrate returning players David Brooks, Ryan Christie and Tyler Adams while keeping a close eye on Amine Adli’s recovery. The club’s pre‑season calendar will feature additional fixtures before the Premier League campaign kicks off on 21 August.
Brentford plans to use the remaining pre‑season matches to refine squad rotation and evaluate the balance among Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade and the new attacking midfielders. Maintaining peak physical condition and capitalising on set‑piece threats will remain priorities as the season approaches.
With clearer insights into attacking options, injury status and tactical setups, both clubs will step into the competitive year better positioned for managers and Fantasy Premier League participants.
