Packed your crampons, ropes, breathing equipment and binoculars? This Saturday evening sees another trip for Brentford to the high altitude away end at Newcastle United. Nick Bruzon previews.
Football’s dizziest view and about as far apart from the close confines of the Gtech as one could get, albeit the atmosphere will be just as intense. Say what you want about St. James Park but the crowd can make one heck of a noise. Even Thomas Frank described it as “One of the best home grounds to go to” in his press conference on Thursday.
Meaning unbeaten Brentford will need to be more focused than ever. Our hosts have lost three on the bounce, including that most recent trouncing at the hands of Brighton, so will be itching to get back to the winning ways that came so easily last season. Then again, being bankrolled by Saudi Arabia will do that.
If nothing else, they’ll be wanting to hit the ground running ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League opener in Italy against AC Milan. Could this work to Brentford’s advantage in Eddie Howe’s squad selection? Any potential niggles being held back, just in case? Sven Botman being most likely to stay on the sidelines.
That aside they are likely to be ‘as was’ and with the stats, and Thomas’ own analysis, showing their attacking potential (despite lack of end product) the Brentford defence will need to be on the top of its game. Such was the home side’s dominance that how Liverpool got away from Newcastle unbeaten last month, let alone with all three points, remains a mystery to rank alongside why the England Supporter’s band keeps being invited to games.
So far this season we’ve started with two centre backs. It’s fair to say that the pairing of Nathan Collins and Ethan Pinnock has been magnificent. With Nathan missing out on a starting berth to the returning Ben Mee last time out, was that as much to do with giving our player of the year some time on the grass? Certainly, The Bees are as comfortable with an extra central defender and so I’m sure we’ll be looking to go three at the back with England’s Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey pushing up from the flanks.
The question that is probably more intriguing to Brentford fans is up top with the returning Neal Maupay. Having used the transfer window to escape relegation-bound Everton – the place where form goes to die –he’ll be as keen as anyone to recapture the incredible chemistry he had with the team and the supporters.
Thomas has confirmed he’s likely to involve Neal in the squad whilst the news that he has already scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly has only further raised the anticipation about what might be. With both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa qualifying for January’s Africa Cup of Nations over the recent international break (Cameroon and DR Congo, respectively) Neal’s return could see a longer-term silver lining.
That’s for then. For now, we have one of the toughest games on the fixture list to look forward to. As much the calibre of opposition (Newcastle described by our head coach as “a very dynamic, high-intensity, physical team“) as the getting home. The 11th-hour decision to move kick-off to Saturday evening to accommodate Newcastle’s European travels, meaning Bees’ fans will need to choose between leaving early or missing the last train back to London.
Nobody will be leaving, that’s for sure. This one is going to be massive and I can’t wait!
