Brentford head to Bournemouth on Saturday, looking to continue a fine run of form on the road. Nick Bruzon previews.
Unbeaten away in the league since the 2-1 reverse at Chelsea three months ago, the Bees have won the last four on the bounce. That quartet, a sequence which has seen them scoring thirteen times whilst conceding only once in the process. Its fair to say that the ‘away’ hoodoo with which Thomas Frank’s side had been cursed earlier in the season has been well and truly banished.
The chances of Brentford recording a fifth successive away win were given a further boost in Thursday’s press conference when Thomas provided his injury updates. Following on from the recent return of Matthias Jensen, first team regular Sepp van den Berg has also been passed fit. The Bees’ head coach telling reporters that, “Sepp trained the whole week, so there’s a good chance he can be involved in the team”.
The flip side to this being the absence of Michael Kayode. The right back has impressed so far but it seems almost a right of passage these days for any new signing to be injured. Fortunately, this doesn’t seem an overly concerning absence and the youngster is set to be for the following game at Newcastle United.
That, a game which may well see some form of involvement for both Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey – not a typo. Albeit the trip to the beach comes too soon for players whose eventual fitness after such horrific long term injuries will not be put in jeopardy by a hurried return.
Also missing is Fabio Carvalho. A dislocated shoulder means we’re unlikely to see him for the remainder of the campaign. It’s a shame for a player who promised much but, if we’re being honest, has struggled to make an impact in his first season.
Then again, how often has that been said before? Look at how Mikkel Damsgaard has now delivered on his potential.
If Brentford are hitting form (at least, on their travels) the opposite could be said for Bournemouth. They’ve lost back-to-back home fixtures in a run that has seen just four points picked up from the last five league games. There’s only Ipswich Town, Leicester City and divisional whipping boys Southampton L who have gained less since the beginning of February.
At one point there was talk of them making a run for the Champions League. Unlikely though that may sound on paper, form is the only thing that counts and they were on fire. Even now the South Coast outfit are still a mere five points away from fourth placed Chelsea.
Whether playing with Europe’s mega-rich (sorry, elite) is a genuine aspiration or otherwise, their own reward for victory on Saturday afternoon could end up being way more than simply three points.
In short, this is way more than a game between two mid-table sides. The congested state of the league means Bournemouth (9th) and Brentford (12th) remain close to the group at the business end.
The Cherries, in particular, knowing a significant leap could be made with a win. The Bees looking to set new records on the road and from there, who knows?
Don’t forget that this one is a 05:30pm kick off although don’t pack your swimmers. It’s going to be fresh out there. Probably find a local pub to hole up in. Other establishments are available.
This one has all the hallmarks of a cracker. Bring it on.
