Brentford host Chelsea on Sunday afternoon following mixed results for both sides during the midweek round of fixtures. Nick Bruzon previews.
The Bees, of course, going down 2-1 at Newcastle United on Wednesday in a game where the perceived myopia of referee Peter Bankes’ and Craig Pawson on VAR with what felt stonewall penalty kicks proved a source of frustration. That’s the polite word. Very much a case of a blind spot.
Even then, Ethan Pinnock was only denied giving the Bees a second half lead through the width of a post whilst the barnstorming end may have seen a point salvaged. It was one of those games where Brentford took a while before really settling in to their attacking rhythm but, even then, can feel hard done by in coming home empty handed.
Mikkel Damsgaard was really missed in that opening period and it is no coincidence that his arrival into the field of play on the hour saw The Bees move up through the gears. All being well, he is available to start this one on Sunday afternoon. Whilst the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Wissa may grab the headlines for their goal-scoring feats, so much of what the Bees do comes via Damsgaard.
The Bees suffered no injury related ill-effects that we know of at St. James’ Park although Thomas Frank’s press conference may change views there. Not that he generally gives away too much beyond the obvious. All being well, we may even see Rico Henry back on the bench for Brentford.
Aside from Damsgaard’s anticipated return, the only other change may be Sepp van den Berg moving in to the middle. Chelsea looked on fire last night with the precision of Cole Palmer’s cross for their winning goal, bisecting the hapless Spurs’ centre-backs, certainly one to have Thomas Frank on alert.
It wasn’t the only time they were caught with their pants down either, leaving Vicario in nets the devil’s own job in preserving their modesty. It was a task few could have accomplished and certainly not him.
To be fair, Chelsea could well have ended that one out of sight. Nicolas Jackson hitting the post in the opening minute, Vicario still sparing his backline’s blushes on more than one other occasion and Moises Caicedo having a goal ruled out.
Craig Pawson, this time around the man in the middle, guided by Jarred Gillett on VAR. The man on the monitor then making himself the centre of further attention by denying Sarr an equaliser for a foul in the build up to his ‘goal’.
That, perhaps some relief to Blues’ goalkeeper Sánchez who may well have done better. Instead, the effort was ruled out and the game ended in a 1-0 win for the West London outfit.
Of interest and, being honest something of a surprise, is Chelsea’s current form on the road. They haven’t won in eight Premier League away games, losing the last four. With Brentford still to keep a clean sheet at home and Blues back on form, something has to give on Sunday.
This won’t be a game for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. If for no other reason than the combination of Michael Oliver in the middle and Stuart Atwell keeping an eye on things back at Stockley Park.
Equally though, we have two sides who can really turn it on if they choose to attack. With Chelsea looking to lock in that Champions’ League berth they now occupy and the Bees with their own aspiration of a finish high up the table, this could end up being a very open game.
It goes without saying that the Bees’ defence will really need to be on top of their game to deny Blues. Perhaps one of those where Christian Norgaard will really get the opportunity to show just why his contract extension has been so well received. The skippers’ role as a defensive midfielder combined with his ability to drive the team forward will be crucial.
This has all the hallmarks of being a quite wonderful game of football . Bring it on and see you there!
