The Bees host Newcastle United on Sunday with both teams looking to bounce back from defeats in the last round of fixtures.
For Brentford, the reverse at Crystal Palace was a frustrating one for so many reasons. Victory would have seen Keith Andrews’ side rise to within two points of third-placed Liverpool. A position now enjoyed by the Eagles.
Instead, despite dominating possession (an end-game total of 64.3% being the most we’ve enjoyed all season), chances were few and far between. A well set up Palace team were content to stifle before creating their own opportunities in ruthless style.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener was the text book ‘looping header’. The player rising at the optimal moment to ensure connection, trajectory and placement were all in perfect sync with each other. There was nothing Caoimhín Kelleher could have done about it or, likewise, their second after Nathan Collins somehow turned one past his own ‘keeper off the back of a long throw. Now that, Alanis, is ironic.
It ended 2-0. It probably should have been 3-0. The game was played in appalling conditions, and Palace is always a horrible place to go. Besides, it wasn’t the worst result of game week 10.
That honour goes to Newcastle getting thumped at West Ham in a game where the home side scored 30% of their total Premier League goals so far this season in that single game. A brutal result for Eddie Howe’s side who remain below the Bees in the table.
We can expect changes for sure. Whether because of fitness, exhaustion or embarrassment after what happened in East London. They have injury concerns still with Harrison Ashby (thigh), Wissa (tail) and Tino Livramento (knee) out for some time. The latter apparently back in training now, but likely way too soon to appear. In addition, Anthony Gordon went off early during their midweek game in Europe, so who knows whether football’s most endearing player will be available for this one.
As for Brentford, the good news is that there is no news. Keith Andrews’ press conference on Thursday revealing the grand total of nothing about any first-team regulars.
In short, Benjamin Arthur is back in full training, Antoni Milambo “is on crutches but looks good“ (and is out for the season, anyway) whilst Josh Dasilva is back on the grass. With the plan for him being to return to first team training next month, our dwindling pool of players who have appeared at Griffin Park may have their ranks swelled by one.
There’s no point dwelling on Palace. Deep down, it’s always a horrible ask. Certain ‘away’ fixtures instil that feeling in you over time, and that’s probably top of the pile.
Now, we’re back home where (Man City aside) the record is magnificent in league and cup. Thankfully, Keith seems more settled on two rather than three at the back whilst Yehor Yarmoliuk bounced straight back from going off early in the defeat of Liverpool to start at Selhurst Park.
The atmosphere is sure to be a rowdy and passionate one. Say what you want about the current set up at Newcastle (formerly known as: everybody’s favourite ‘other team’ – © the entire media in the ‘90s. Now, owned by an infinitely rich petrostate with a somewhat dubious take on human rights) but their fans travel wonderfully.
Aside from our always lively support, you can expect added bite given the summer saga of Brentford’s former number 9. He’s yet to kick a ball for The Magpies and his absence on Sunday is a shame. If for no other reason it would have probably raised the roof to levels previously reserved for Kurt Zouma’s cat.
Oh well, I’m sure it’ll get a mention and, in the meantime, The Gtech coffers remain swelled by the additional £49 million. Even if at this rate it’ll be 2032 before the ‘add-ons’ kick in.
Regardless of who starts, this fixture has always been a high-scoring one. The polar opposite of Bees-Palace. Indeed, there have been 33 goals in our eight Premier League encounters so far. Here’s to that record continuing – in Brentford’s favour, of course.
Bring it on. Here’s to Sunday afternoon at The Gtech.
