Brighton mercifully have a much shorter trip this weekend as they travel to the capital to face perhaps the surprise package of the season in Brentford.
What are the opposition saying?
Big thanks to Brentford fan Charlie Corr, who very kindly answered some questions ahead of the game.
Charlie is the head of the New York City Brentford supporters' group (NYC Bees), which watches all matches at The Red Lion in Greenwich Village, in Manhattan. For more, you can follow @BrentfordFCNYC on most social media platforms.
What is your Brentford fan story?
I've been following Brentford since their 2014-15 Championship season. I went to one of their games at Griffin Park in January of 2015, a 1-0 win over Rotherham, and have backed them ever since. Once they were promoted, because I live in New York City, I was curious if there was an establishment for Bees fans around Manhattan. There wasn't, and I basically ended up co-founding the NYC Bees with a couple of supporters after watching Brentford's 2-0 victory over Arsenal at The Red Lion to open the 2021-22 season! We've been meeting up at this pub ever since, drawing fans from here, West London and beyond.
What have you made of your season so far?
Brentford's season has certainly been a huge positive that I don't think most supporters would have predicted. Obviously it's well known how many pundits tagged Brentford to be relegated, which was an absurd and lazy perspective. After a coaching change, losing our top two goalscorers, our captain, and our goalkeeper, I get the negative opinions. But it just goes to show how strong of a framework we have as an organisation, something I'm sure your fanbase can relate to.
What have you made of Keith Andrews?
It took some time to come around on Keith, but as of this moment he's found his voice. With no previous managerial experience, I think fans in general were trying to figure out some of his decisions, but Keith also needed some type of learning curve. I've always liked his demeanour; he's very much a player's coach, in my opinion.
Has the form this season surprised you given the managerial change?
I was surprised, absolutely. Going into the season, I was predicting Brentford would finish in 13th, which could still be a possibility if our form really drops off. The fact that we were in fifth place just a few weeks ago and people are now mentioning Europe in the conversation, I never would have expected that. I was of the mindset that we needed 2025-26 to adjust to the heavy dose of personnel changes. We know turnover is inevitable, but this past offseason was peak change.
Are there any notable differences in style between Andrews and Frank?
The biggest change I've noticed is that we are more aggressive than Thomas Frank in some regards. Last season, there would have been some road matches where we would have played a back five and been more conservative. Keith is allowing our players to go at opponents a bit more, even possess the ball a bit more, and our back-to-back road wins against Aston Villa and Newcastle earlier this month are good examples of that. Knock on wood, we are also much healthier this season compared to the previous years under Thomas. That's helped Keith manage our roster very well, giving important minutes to some of our other guys during Cup matches and such.
Who are the key players to watch out for?
Up front, Thiago has been dominant for much of the season. He's the league's No. 2 goal scorer with 17, and he has to be any opposing team's focal point. Right-back Michael Kayode is also massively important, no matter how a match is going. His long throw-ins aren't a secret, and that's a weapon we're going to utilise as much as possible. And then I have to mention Caoimhín Kelleher in goal. I'd say he's been our best offseason acquisition, and there are plenty of other Premier League clubs that would have loved the services of the former Liverpool backup goalkeeper.
What are Brentford’s biggest strengths and any weaknesses?
Our counter-attacking and throw-in set pieces are our best modes of generating top-quality chances. We also have a knack for drawing penalty kick chances, particularly Dango Ouattara. Our weakness usually is when opposing defences sit back, give us room to operate with meaningless horizontal passes in the midfield, and we struggle to find some creativity in the build-up. We have improved on this, but there were some road matches (including at Brighton) where we looked lost.
What is your general opinion on Brighton as a club?
I think it's fair to say that we mirror each other in several regards, so just in saying that, I'd hope there's a mutual respect in how both organisations operate. I know Tony Bloom and Matthew Benham aren't going to be dining together anytime soon. I don't have enough information about the “feud”, which is kind of a shame. That won't alter my opinion of Brighton. I think of both of us in the same light. We know how to do more with less, which means we don't have to deal with some of the soap operas operating elsewhere!
If you could take one player from the Brighton side, who would it be and why?
I know he's dealt with the ankle injury issue, but I'm still going to say Kaoru Mitoma. There's so much to like about him: fits the humble and hungry mantra that I always love in players, fantastic on the ball. When 100%, if he were on our side, it would be a smooth transition.
Any final thoughts?
Kevin Schade is available again from suspension, and Andrews massively favours him over Keane Lewis-Potter. I'm hoping Keith shows some backbone and keeps KLP in the starting lineup
I am anticipating a pretty tight game. These matchups worry me the most, more so than the Villas or even the Liverpools and Arsenals of this league!
Tale of the tape
Coming into Saturday’s game, the hosts have only lost twice at home this season, whilst conversely Brighton have only won twice away from the AMEX. Igor Thiago is undoubtedly one of the main threats, with the striker netting an impressive 17 goals so far this campaign, a total which is only second to that of renowned robot Erling Haaland.
Only Arsenal and Manchester City have bettered Brentford’s points tally from the past 11 games, where the London club have only lost twice, noticeably picking up impressive results against Newcastle, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
With previous set-piece coach Keith Andrews now at the helm, it’s of course no surprise to see Brentford pose a real threat from dead-ball situations. These situations are not just limited to corners and free kicks, however, with the best rebound around the country for their extraordinary long throw! No team has scored more goals than Brentford from throw-ins over the last 2 seasons, with 10 goals coming from this method! It appears Michael Kayode has been channelling his inner Rory Delap, with the Italian demonstrating truly monstrous throws into the opposition box from all angles!
Brighton, on the other hand, are winless in 6 matches, with just 1 league win coming from their last 13 Premier League attempts, which was against lowly Burnley.
The Seagulls have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 8 matches, but there is some good news for the south coast outfit. Whilst they have undoubtedly struggled on their travels this year, it will be music to the ears of Brighton fans to read that they have only conceded 2 goals from set pieces on their travels. If Brighton are to come away with a positive result, it will be imperative for Albion to continue to demonstrate their defensive prowess in such situations
How can Brighton get a result?
Whilst on the face of it and given the two teams’ form, you may be forgiven for thinking Brighton do not have a chance in this game. But I would argue that you would be wrong to think this. Let me explain why.
Brentford have scored 24 goals at home this season, which is 4 goals more than their struggling opponents have mustered this season. Digging a bit deeper, though, I found the statistics to be quite revealing. Interestingly, the vast majority of these goals were from counterattacks or from set pieces, which insinuates to me at least that Brentford are happy to soak up pressure and hit teams on the break. In conjunction with their notorious threat from set pieces, this means Brentford are a difficult proposition for most Premier League sides, with the majority looking to dominate possession. The result means that Brentford, in effect, almost plays like an away side at home, or, if you prefer, Arsenal.
This is further supported by the fact that the majority of teams who have got a result at the GTECH Community Stadium all have one thing in common. They tend to cede possession, with themselves looking to hurt teams on the break through fast transitions.
With Brentford being the home team, the onus inevitably falls on them to attack. With their struggles to open up teams in general play, this has led to some surprising results. To put meat on the bone in terms of such results, although Brentford have beaten Liverpool and Manchester United and drawn with Arsenal, they have also struggled against a particular type of side with a home draw against Leeds as well as 2 defeats to Nottingham Forest and Fulham.
Roadmap to victory
This gives Hurzeler, in my view, a clear game plan he should install in the hope of coming away from Saturday’s tough fixture with a much-needed positive result. In my opinion the Brighton manager is going to have to move away from his usual front-foot high-press approach and instead employ a more defensive programmatic plan.
Whilst I understand modern coaches are totally married to their philosophies and are reluctant to comprise on their tactical ethos I still feel the modern game has a place for tactical flexibility when the game demands it. You only have to look at Manchester United to see how damaging a manager infatuated with a particular way of playing can be!
So to summarise, I believe Brighton need to play a more defensive approach, soak up the pressure and look to hit Brentford on the break. On top of this, the seagulls need to minimise set-piece opportunities (I get that it is hard when the opposition can throw the ball in from the halfway line!) and defend the box well.
Starting lineup
I would start with Boscagli at left back in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The reason for this is mainly in the hope the Italian will be effective when dealing with the dangerous Brentford set pieces.
I would play Gross as one of the two pivots on this occasion to help with the build-up from the back. The German may be lacking in legs, but his passing range is still going to be vital in this game in my view, especially considering Brentford press in a very aggressive way, so I feel the German’s impressive distribution would help negate this threat.
I have also included Georgino Rutter. Whilst this may be controversial, I feel his height will be needed with set pieces, coupled with the fact I believe he thrives most during fast transitional-type games and when he has ample space to run into. Given the game plan I hope Hurzeler looks to implement, I feel it would be prudent to include the Frenchman.
Shape below
In possession
From the limited games I’ve watched it appears Brentford tend to press with a 4-4-2 type shape
When Brighton are enjoying spells of possession, I would like to see the formation shift to a hybrid back 3 with Boscagli tucking in from left back and Ferdi holding the width down the right side. With Ferdi creating the width from the right, it would then allow Gomez to invert.
As a result of Gomez coming inside, it would flood the middle of midfield and look to expose the two Brentford midfielders. With Gross, Rutter and Gomez operating centrally, it should mean the seagulls enjoy numerical superiority over their counterparts, and in turn, chances should follow.
Obviously, given Brentford’s propensity to counter, this shape also offers good defensive protection in my view, with Baleba helping pick up any loose balls from knockdowns.
Shape below
Out of possession
As discussed, I’d look to bring the defensive line deeper and encourage Brentford centre halves to bring the ball out from their back line. If and when Brentford go long, the inclusion of Boscagli will help with the aerial battle, and with the defensive line sitting deeper, the midfielders sat in front will be better placed to pick up any loose balls.
On the occasions Brentford do look to play out, I wouldn’t engage them high; instead, I’d wait for the CBs to take the ball past their halfway line and encourage them to play the ball in central areas. By doing this you are not only making Brentford play into an area you are compact in but you are also creating an opportunity to turn over the ball centrally. It’s also a good idea to force a Brentford narrow to ensure the ball is not near the sidelines, resulting in a Brentford throw!
The off-the-ball shape I'd like to see is a 4-5-1 formation. Shown below
How I see it playing out?
Despite what I’ve put above, do I think Hurzeler will do something like that? No, I don’t, to be honest. I expect Brighton will look to monopolise possession, play on the front foot and press with their usual man-to-man look. This will leave Brighton vulnerable in moments leading to Brentford threatening primarily via counterattacks.
I feel Brentford will look to hit the ball directly to the full-back areas where they are likely to win first contacts given the discrepancy in size or win throw-ins with them, then load the box and create havoc.
If I’m correct in my ascertain re the Germans’ tactics, then I feel it will be a pretty tight game, but I see Brentford ultimately coming out on top.
Final score prediction:
Charlie Corr (NYC Brentford fan club founder) – Brentford 2 – 1 Brighton
Myself – Brentford 1-0 Brighton