The Bees hit the road on Saturday afternoon for their first away game of the season. It couldn’t be any more enticing a prospect than another trip to Craven Cottage. Nick Bruzon previews.
The Bees hit the road on Saturday afternoon for our first away game of the season. It couldn’t be any more enticing a prospect than another trip to Craven Cottage. Not so much for the chance of revenge after the hosts earned that rarest of things last season – a derby win – but as much to see if Thomas Frank and his team can pick up where they left off.
Namely, being crowned the best Premier League team in West London once more. Brentford finished the last campaign 7 (seven) points ahead of Fulham and so far clear of Chelsea that the Stamford Bridge outfit were closer to the relegation places than The Bees.
It was a beautiful end to as pulsating a campaign as has ever been enjoyed and now there’s the chance to do it all again. We’ve already started building on that in Sunday’s opener at the Gtech against Spurs. Whilst the spoils were shared in a 2-2 draw, it could well have ended in a home win.
The Bees created some wonderful chances (Mbeumo and Dalsgaard) outside of the two goals they did score (Mbeumo and Wissa). Kevin Schade’s pace twice saw the VAR team coming under the most intense scrutiny, as much after the game when the two non-penalties were further dissected, whilst Rico Henry had the game of his life on the left flank. More of the same would be very nice, thank you.
As for Fulham, they got a late winner (Everton) but have plenty of their own headaches to contend with. The fitness of Liverpool target João Palhinha remains in doubt whilst all manner of questions surround Aleksandar Mitrović. The flat track bully at Championship level finally proved last season he could do it in the Premier League – that is, when he wasn’t banned – but is now being touted as the latest to get on the Saudi gravy train. Al-Hilal have come in with a new offer and whilst he did make a cameo off the bench at Goodison, could it be the beginning of the end?
Worst of all, their new River Stand still remains under construction. Despite taking longer than La Sagrada Familia to complete, it is still another season away from an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. A plight that has only worsened with news that constructors Buckingham Group have filed for administration. The impact on the Bees, comedy value aside, is that our own ticket allocation remains reduced although as of Thursday afternoon, the home side had been unable to sell out their own seats. Oh dear. May as well just stop the build now.
I love this match for so many reasons. Craven Cottage has seen some inspirational moments for Brentford over the years. Gary Blissett on Jim Stannard. Neal Maupay denying them promotion in the 90th minute. Stuart Dallas scoring ‘that’ goal in the famous 4-1 win. Brian Guest.
All have been amazing although focus has to be firmly on the Brentford team of 2023/24. David Raya’s move to Arsenal is now official whilst Ben Mee missed the Spurs game. However, Mark Flekken had a solid start in goal and Mathias Jensen, who went off very early in the second half, was conspicuous by his presence in all the midweek training photos. If Ben Mee is fit then all the sweeter – who could forget what happened when Bryan was left marking Mitrović last time out? Move along, please.
I thought Zanka’s late arrival off the bench was crucial on Sunday. We can expect to see more of him and perhaps from the start if Thomas sticks with his back three. Likewise, the return of Christian Norgaard very much a sight for sore eyes. Our new captain had as solid a game against Spurs as he has ever done.
Whoever Thomas starts with, tails should be up and the fans will be in fine voice. There’s no better ground than Craven Cottage for the supporters to impose their presence. To shove those foam fingers where the sun don’t shine. Bring it on and see you there!
