West Ham vs Brentford: The Ultimate London Derby Guide

West Ham United and Brentford share a competitive London rivalry that has intensified since the Bees’ promotion to the Premier League in 2021, with Brentford currently holding a superior head-to-head record in recent top-flight meetings. Since their first competitive encounter in 1898, the two clubs have faced each other over 50 times across various divisions. As of February 2026, Brentford has established itself as somewhat of a “bogey team” for the Hammers, winning seven of their last ten Premier League encounters, including a decisive 2-0 victory at the London Stadium in October 2025. This fixture is widely recognized for its high tactical intensity and passionate fanbases, representing a clash between the traditional East End “Academy of Football” and the data-driven innovation of West London.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find a deep dive into the statistical breakdown of this fixture, iconic moments from historical clashes, and essential practical information for fans planning to attend future matches. We cover everything from the legendary 4-2 West Ham victory in early 2024 to the most recent tactical battles under Nuno Espírito Santo and Thomas Frank. Whether you are looking for ticket prices, travel logistics, or a detailed FAQ on the rivalry’s history, this article serves as the definitive 2026 resource for one of London’s most fascinating football matchups.

Recent Head-to-Head Record and Statistics

The recent history of West Ham vs Brentford has been surprisingly one-sided in favor of the Bees. Since Brentford’s ascent to the Premier League, they have consistently outmaneuvered the Hammers, often utilizing superior set-piece execution and rapid counter-attacks. In the 2025/26 season, Brentford secured a significant 2-0 away win at the London Stadium, further cementing their dominance in this local clash.

Statistically, the fixture has moved away from the high-scoring draws of the past and toward clinical, low-margin victories. Prior to West Ham’s 4-2 win in February 2024, the Hammers had struggled to find the net against Brentford, suffering multiple 2-0 defeats both home and away. As of early 2026, the overall Premier League record stands as a testament to Brentford’s effective recruitment and tactical consistency.

Match Results (2024–2026)

• October 20, 2025: West Ham 0–2 Brentford (Premier League)
• February 15, 2025: West Ham 0–1 Brentford (Premier League)
• September 28, 2024: Brentford 1–1 West Ham (Premier League)
• February 26, 2024: West Ham 4–2 Brentford (Premier League)

Historical Overview

Historically, West Ham dominated the fixture during the mid-20th century and the 1990s when the clubs were in different tiers of English football. In the 135-year history of the clubs, West Ham still holds a higher total of major trophies, but the “new era” of this rivalry has seen the gap in on-pitch performance close significantly.

The London Stadium vs. The Gtech Community Stadium

The venues for this fixture offer two vastly different matchday experiences. West Ham’s London Stadium, originally built for the 2012 Olympics, provides a massive, 62,500-capacity arena with modern amenities and a grand atmosphere. In contrast, Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium is a compact, 17,250-capacity venue known for its incredible acoustics and proximity to the pitch, creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams.

When West Ham plays at home, the “Bubbles” anthem and the expansive pitch play into a more possession-based style. However, Brentford has famously used the wide spaces of the London Stadium to their advantage, employing wingers like Bryan Mbeumo to stretch the Hammers’ defense.

Iconic Players and Memorable Moments

Several players have left their mark on this fixture in recent years. Jarrod Bowen remains a key figure for West Ham, notably scoring a hat-trick in their 4-2 win in early 2024. For Brentford, the clinical finishing of Ivan Toney (prior to his high-profile transfer) and the creativity of Mathias Jensen have often been the difference-makers.

One of the most memorable moments in recent history was the FA Cup Third Round clash in January 2023, where a long-range strike from Said Benrahma—a former Brentford player then playing for West Ham—knocked his old club out of the competition. This “revenge” narrative is a common theme, as both clubs frequently scout similar markets for talent.

Practical Information and Matchday Planning

Attending a West Ham vs Brentford match requires early booking, as London derbies are among the most popular fixtures in the Premier League calendar. With the next meeting scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Gtech Community Stadium, tickets are expected to sell out months in advance.

Tickets and Pricing

• Standard Seats: Typically range from £55 to £95 for home supporters, depending on the category.
• Away Tickets: Capped at £30 for Premier League matches, though these are almost exclusively available to season ticket holders with high loyalty points.
• Hospitality Packages: At the Gtech Community Stadium, packages like the “TW8 Restaurant” start around £360, including pre-match meals and premium seating.

Travel and Transportation

• To London Stadium (West Ham): The best route is via Stratford Station, which is served by the Central Line, Jubilee Line, Elizabeth Line, and DLR. It is a 15-minute walk from the station to the ground.
• To Gtech Community Stadium (Brentford): Kew Bridge Station is the closest stop, located just a few minutes’ walk from the stadium. Brentford Station and Gunnersbury (District Line/Overground) are also viable options.

Tips for Visitors

• Arrive Early: Both stadiums have strict security checks. Aim to be at the turnstiles 60 minutes before kickoff.
• Fan Zones: West Ham offers an extensive fan zone on the Olympic Park with food and drinks. Brentford’s local pubs, such as The Express Tavern, are legendary among football fans for their pre-match atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has won more games between West Ham and Brentford? 

Historically, West Ham holds more total wins across all competitions since 1898. However, in the Premier League era (2021–2026), Brentford has won 7 out of 10 meetings, making them the more successful side in recent years.

What was the score of the last West Ham vs Brentford match? 

The most recent encounter took place on October 20, 2025, at the London Stadium. Brentford won 2–0 with goals from Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen.

When is the next West Ham vs Brentford game? 

The next fixture is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Gtech Community Stadium. Kick-off is currently set for 15:00, though this is subject to TV scheduling.

Is West Ham vs Brentford considered a major derby? 

While it is a London derby, it is not as fierce as West Ham vs Millwall or Brentford vs Fulham. However, the competitive nature of both teams in the mid-table has turned it into a high-stakes “strategic” rivalry.

How many fans can the Gtech Community Stadium hold? 

The stadium has a capacity of 17,250, making it one of the smallest and loudest stadiums in the Premier League.

Can I buy West Ham vs Brentford tickets on the day of the game? 

No. It is virtually impossible to buy tickets at the box office on matchday. All tickets must be purchased in advance through the official club websites or authorized resellers.

What is the best way to get to the London Stadium? 

The most efficient way is taking the Elizabeth Line or Central Line to Stratford Station. Follow the signs for “Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park” to reach the stadium.

Why do West Ham fans blow bubbles? 

West Ham fans sing “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles,” a tradition that dates back to the 1920s. It is one of the most iconic pre-match rituals in world football.

Are there any players who played for both West Ham and Brentford? 

Yes, notable players include Said Benrahma, who made a high-profile move from Brentford to West Ham, and Winston Reid, who had a loan spell at Brentford late in his career.

Final Thoughts

As of early 2026, the West Ham vs Brentford fixture has evolved into one of the most statistically intriguing matchups in the Premier League. What was once a sporadic meeting between East and West London has become a showcase of tactical discipline versus traditional stature. Brentford’s relentless form against the Hammers—winning seven of the last nine Premier League meetings—has firmly established them as West Ham’s most difficult modern opponent. For the Hammers, the rivalry now represents a psychological hurdle they must clear to maintain their status as London’s primary “Best of the Rest” contender.

The 2025/2026 campaign has highlighted this divide, with Brentford securing a dominant 2-0 victory at the London Stadium in October 2025. While West Ham remains the larger club in terms of global following and stadium capacity, the “Bees” have proven that data-led recruitment and tactical consistency can negate even the most fervent atmosphere. With their next meeting set for May 2, 2026, the stakes have never been higher, as both clubs battle for final league positioning in what has become a mandatory watch for any fan of English football.

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