Brentford welcome Manchester United to the Gtech for a Saturday lunchtime game that comes off the back of differing results for both sides.
For The Bees, it has been a case of tail between the legs and having to ride the wave of fallout from the 3-1 reverse at Craven Cottage. A score line put all the more into context by Keith Andrews’ team taking the lead before conceding three goals in 12 minutes either side of half-time.
The only positive (if there can be one) on a night of sloppy defending, struggles in the final third, and prolonged clinging to a formation that baffled most observers was seeing Fulham’s fourth ‘goal’ chalked off.
4-1 at The Cottage, a score which remains the unique preserve of The Bees.
United, on the other hand, actually won a game under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils beating a Chelsea side reduced to ten men in just five minutes after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saw a straight red for ploughing through the on-rushing Bryan Mbeumo.
Despite a subsequent 2-0 lead, they went in all square at half-time when Casemiro was also sent off. A second yellow card making it ten-a-side just prior to the interval, giving the visitors a chance to get back into the game.
They almost did it, too. Trevor Chalobah halving the deficit with ten minutes to go, but it was too little, too late. The Old Trafford outfit is able to hang on and is now heading to Brentford knowing that should they win, it will be the first time their much-maligned manager has achieved back-to-back Premier League victories. No pressure then.
The one safe thing we can say is that nobody has a clue which team Keith Andrews will start with. He’s gone three at the back for the last couple of games. It took a while to wake up before the draw that felt like a win against Chelsea. The following game at Fulham is best consigned to the file marked – move along, nothing to see here.
The fans want attacking football and the flair we have become so used to in recent seasons. Premier League Brentford mk. ii are more about the backfoot caution that comes with a new coach in charge of a new squad, feeling his way in.
With things feeling very much like the post-Warburton Dijkhuizen phase at present, it’s a tough choice. Will Keith stick to his principles or go for broke?
The positive is that, at face value, there is an almost full squad to pick from. Vitaly Janelt returned to action from the bench and so should also be available. Short of some press conference bombshell being dropped, there are no new injury scares.
The other plus point being that The Bees are still in the League Cup. An area where, if we have felt obliged to remind ourselves of all things Marinus, the Dutchman failed spectacularly.
Wednesday’s draw handing The Bees a trip to United’s conquerors, Grimsby Town. It’s a potato skin for sure, but also a rare opportunity for an old-school cup tie and a great chance to reach the last eight.
Fun though it will be, the League has to be the focus for now. They don’t come any tougher than a visit from Manchester United – ordinarily.
It would be fair to say that things have moved on somewhat in recent seasons. Memories of Cristiano Ronaldo’s hissy-fits and the 4-0 tonking handed out at the Gtech still burn strong. Last season’s 4-3 victory for The Bees was one made way closer than the final scoreline suggested following two late goals for the visitors. In between, the sides shared a 1-1 draw.
A quite phenomenal sequence for The Bees, but, of course, now is all about the present. Forget United’s goalkeeping woes. Their managerial angst. Casemiro’s suspension. There’s only going to be one topic of conversation on everybody’s lips – Bryan Mbeumo.
The £71m signing has been desperately missed since leaving TW8 for Old Trafford. As much because of his infectious enthusiasm as his absolute class.
We’ve all, of course, wished him well (unlike the snakey one), but you can be sure he’ll have bottled up any fond memories for another day. Aside from, perhaps, a warm hug for Peter Gilham. Instead, he’ll be aiming to continue a start that has only seen him hit the ground running for his new club.
Overt focus on Bryan, whilst the obvious trap to fall into, will be something Keith would do to avoid. Make a plan for him, but also the likes of the currently on-song Bruno Fernandes.
Alleged Brentford target Kobbie Mainoo. Mason Mount scored at the Gtech last season. They’ve enough players to cause Brentford angst if everyone decides to bring their ‘A’ game.
That’s a big ‘if’, of course. We’ve seen how players flourish when they leave United, and so perhaps as much as anything else, Keith needs to take advantage of any lingering toxicity there may be in the visitors’ camp.
Amongst a fan base historically spoiled by copious success and expecting similar as some sort of divine right, yet now left with nothing beyond memories of Fergie and a currently dusty trophy cabinet.
There’s enough media talk about the negativity at United, boardroom struggles, and their manager’s future. Keith and Brentford have a wonderful chance to grab this game by the scruff of the neck before the visitors settle, allow the dissatisfaction to permeate through their ranks, and hand out another bloody nose.
Personally speaking, I’d rather see Brentford come out all guns blazing rather than being reliant on long throws and long balls over the top – both of which have their place in moderation.
Then again, I’m a footballing romantic. Not a Premier League head coach like Keith Andrews, who will no doubt have spent all week working on how he wants his team set up and how they’ll look to get the win.
Let’s be honest, a flying 4-0 to the Bees or grinding out a 1-0 victory, if it ends in three points, then we’ll all be happy.
Bring it on and see you there.
