Following a disappointing FA Cup exit, Brentford can now focus solely on league commitments. Up next is the visit of Nottingham Forest. Nick Bruzon previews.
It would be fair to say that the last month has been a bumpy one for Brentford. Since the win over Luton Town in early December, the Bees’ record has seen five successive Premier League defeats along with elimination from the FA Cup. Yet never has ‘that’ cliché been truer. Spared the distraction from both the cup and an ever-growing absentee list, finally the Bees CAN now concentrate on the league.
The bad news – and let’s rip the band-aid off here – is that Christian Norgaard is the latest first-team casualty. He misses out after the injury blow suffered in one of the myriad recent games against Wolves (three down, one to go).
That’s the downside. The plus points are the returns of Kris Ajer, Shandon Baptiste and Josh Dasilva. Ben Mee is also available after suspension whilst Thomas Frank has an actual left back to call upon following the loan signing of Spanish international Sergio Reguilon on a six-month deal from Spurs.
There’s no doubting the determination and effort shown by both Vitaly Janelt and Saman Ghoddos filling in for the impossible-to-replace Rico Henry and then Aaron Hickey but there’s nothing like experience. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United man brings that by the bucketload.
Then we have the small matter of Ivan Toney. He is, finally, available and what a moment it will be when we hear Peter Gilham roar out his name. Let alone when he gets his first touch. Whilst it might be too much to expect him to start, don’t rule out anything given Wissa is on AFCON duty and Bryan is still out (inj, obvs).
With things looking up for Brentford, our visitors have their own challenges. Six players are absent on international duty with further being added to the injury list. Chuck in Wednesday night’s additional thirty minutes of time added on before Woody’s (not that one) late winner eventually saw off Blackpool of League One in the Cup. Fingers are crossed that there may be some tired legs as this one progresses.
Steve Cooper may have been relieved of his duties but I have no doubt Forest’s spirit of sh’housery will live on. A good thing we have Neal Maupay, who grabbed another goal in the week, available to bring his own, unique approach to such tactics.
At the end of the day (Clive) we can talk this game up for hours. We can discuss tactics, strategies or potential starting XI’s. Yet despite all of this and even that new signing for the Bees, it still comes back to one thing. One moment. One man. His entrance into the game will be majestic.
And no, we don’t mean referee Darren England
This is going to be huge. With the game live on TV on Saturday evening, the eyes of the footballing world will be firmly trained on the Gtech.
I can’t wait for it. I can’t wait for Ivan’s return. See you there…
