Brentford return to the relative safety of home for Saturday afternoon's visit from relegation-threatened Burnley.
The 2-1 reverse at Brighton last time out was about as frustrating as they come, with The Bees struggling to make headway against a resolute and well-set-up team (see also: the previous road trip, Crystal Palace). The first-half lead earned through Igor Thiago’s penalty finally slipped away in a game the Bees could have won, should have drawn, but eventually lost (see also: Sunderland away).
In short, a fifth away defeat out of six gives Keith Andrews a lot to think about the next time his team leaves TW8 – the small matter of interim-leaders, Arsenal.
Don’t stress. The form is really no different to that of last season. Brentford struggling on their travels – it took until January’s 5-0 thumping of Southampton to record a first away win – yet they were virtually untouchable at home over the same period.
Thankfully, that side of things remains similar, with Keith having seen his side already beat Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa (twice) to also progress in the League Cup.
So on paper, a game with a club that has only won three times all season, against fellow bottom three or newly-promoted sides Wolves, Sunderland, and Leeds United (no, please, stop it) is just what the doctor ordered. Moreso, given that the table this season is one of the most open in years.
Despite the fact that this fixture will see us reach the one-third point in the campaign, just six points separate Aston Villa in fourth and Newcastle United in fourteenth. It really is all to play for with virtually nothing even close to being decided – beyond Wolves knowing they are already in ‘miracle’ territory. For context, even Southampton had double the Molineux outfit’s current points by this time last season.
On paper…. We’ve all been watching football way too long to know this just isn’t how it works. If ever there was a big warning sign marked ‘potato skin,’ then here it is. Burnley is in terrible form, but with an opportunity to escape the bottom three. Moreso with Leeds travelling to Manchester City. This is nothing for Brentford to be scared about, but something to still be brutally aware of. Complacency being the mother of all mess-ups, or whatever the phrase is.
The perennial question at this juncture is team selection. Followed by approach. Five at the back and cautious? Four at the back and driving? Perhaps the more intriguing notion given that the latter is now our well-settled approach being that of personnel. Especially in a starting XI that has largely picked itself in recent weeks.
Keith is absolutely the man to train, motivate and direct the team but, in truth, you or I could name who he starts with. That’s not so much criticism but more reflection that he knows what and who he wants. Likewise, when he’ll sub them out.
For me, the potential areas for freshening things up come in Kris Ajer and Kevin Schade. Perhaps it is unconscious bias but I’m really uncomfortable having a right-footer at left-back. The Norwegian has, hands up, played well in that role but I thought he was exposed at Brighton. Moreso with Aaron Hickey, KLP and Rico Henry all chomping at the bit to take that slot and provide extra width going forward. For me, it is as much a case of potential and options missed given Keith’s preferred attacking route being those directed long balls (and throw ins – did anybody mention those this season?) combined with springing the offside trap to break at pace through the middle.
As for Schade, he seems to have two modes in this set up: awesome or awol. When he’s on it, he’s a runaway freight train of power, pace and goal-scoring. When he’s not, at times he has seemed to drift out of games like a leaf on the breeze.
I’d not pretend to have the experience, ability or thick-skin to be a coach. Equally so, the talent to be a footballer. Unless, of course, the qualifications these days are wheezing asthmatics with dodgy knees and the ability to toe-punt it fifteen yards. Yet I can still see what happens out on pitch and at times, as a fan, I think we’re all entitled to wonder about the decision-making process in selection and tactics. That ability to debate, challenge and discuss every aspect of every game is just one of the myriad reasons football remains so compelling.
We’re talking first-world problems, of course. That’s ‘problems’ in the loosest sense of the word, too. The Bees are still playing quite wonderfully at home, and the results speak for themselves. Whatever awareness we go into this game with about underestimating the opposition, this really should be a home win.
Brentford are too strong at the Gtech. Igor Thiago too hungry to catch up with Erling Haaland, the only player ahead of him in the Premier League top-scorers chart. The crowd, too loud and buoyed by the potential to once again upset Burnley’s commentary team.
Injury-wise, we need to wait until Friday’s press conference to hear what Keith Andrews has to say. Even then, expect the usual smoke and mirrors we see from just about every manager. Why show your hand early? Scott Parker already faced the media on Thursday, but the only news was old news – his injuries remain the three long-term ones.
I can’t expect there to be any surprises on that front when the teams are named on Saturday afternoon. If you want any form of accurate forecast, then check the weather.
I have, and it looks like it is going to be fresh and wet. So pack your gloves – supporters, not players – and perhaps bring an umbrella for the journey. It’ll be tipping down all afternoon.
Maybe some long studs, too…..
