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West Ham should beware Brentford defender Michael Kayode after his last performance at the London Stadium.
Kayode was the best player on the pitch when the Bees defeated the Hammers 2-0 in the Premier League in October.
The two teams are set to face off again on Monday in the FA Cup fifth round, with a quarter-final place up for grabs.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are in much better form now than five months ago, but they must still recognise Kayode’s danger.
If you think I’m talking rubbish by naming this team vs Brentford – let me know why 👇
Alternatively, feel free to let me what (if anything) I’ve got spot on 😂
Credit: GRV Media West Ham must learn Michael Kayode lesson in FA Cup
Kayode dominated Brentford’s 2-0 victory over West Ham in October, creating seven chances for his team-mates.
The right-back even broke the record for the most chances a Brentford player has ever created in a Premier League match.
He was a constant threat down the right side for Keith Andrews’ team, as Ollie Scarles had no answer for him.
Michael Kayode created more chances in open play against West Ham (6) than any Brentford player in Premier League history. 🪄
His game by numbers:
75 touches
7 chances created
5/6 accurate crosses
5 passes into final third
4x possessions won
2 touches in opp. box
1 successful… pic.twitter.com/NNeEsJvrrX— Squawka (@Squawka) October 20, 2025
View Tweet
However, Kayode has more than one way to hurt West Ham on Monday; his long throws are as dangerous as any player’s.
He has taken more long throws (at least 20 metres) than any other Premier League player (122) this season, as per The Athletic.
Whether he has the ball at his feet or in his hands, West Ham must stop Kayode if they want to make the quarter-finals.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesNuno Espirito Santo must start El Hadji Malick Diouf vs Brentford
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team selection could be key to stopping Michael Kayode from having a similar performance.
Ollie Scarles started at left-back against Brentford last time and could not contain the Italian defender.
It would be unwise to pick Scarles again, while it might also be too much to ask Ezra Mayers to play instead.
Nuno can rotate other positions in the line-up, but El Hadji Malick Diouf should be in the starting XI at left-back.
Diouf’s physicality could give him a better chance of limiting Kayode’s impact on the game.
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