Brentford – Brighton : Preview & Prediction
Thomas Frank and his Brentford side have had to take a break to reorganize after suffering the heaviest defeat in their Premier League (PL) history last time out when they lost 5-1 to Newcastle. Ever the optimist, Frank stated after the game that “it’s win or learn” and those words must carry some weight as they have not lost consecutive PL games since February.
Dealing with aerial threats has been one of Brentford’s biggest challenges this season, with six headed goals conceded, the most in the league. They can be thankful that their opponents here are Brighton & Hove Albion, given that they are one of the teams yet to score via that route, and with Brentford scoring an impressive ten goals in four home games this campaign (G2, E1, P1), the ‘Bees will be hoping that their solid offense can overcome any defensive weaknesses.
While Roberto de Zerbi has yet to record his first win as Brighton manager, he certainly hasn’t been disgraced in his first two games (E1, P1). A thrilling 3-3 draw with last season’s Champions League finalists Liverpool was followed by a narrow defeat to Spurs, a result which Zerbi described as “not fair”, and he is now hoping that “third time’s the charm” and a win would see Brighton move up to fourth in the standings, at least until Sunday.
Results aside, the build-up to this game has been dominated by the heartbreaking news that 24-year-old Brighton and Zambia midfielder Enock Mwepu has had to hang up his boots at such a young age due to an inherited heart condition. Messages of support have poured in for the once promising midfielder and he will be sorely missed, especially as Brighton failed to win his last three PL games in which he did not play, but won six of the last eight when he did.
Players to watch: After keeping his effectiveness of converted penalties at 100% with a goal last time out (7/7), Brentford’s Ivan Toney is just two behind Dimitar Berbatov’s record of nine. Perhaps the biggest hard-luck story among potential PL goalscorers this season is Brighton’s Solly March, as no player has recorded more than his 18 shots or eight shots on target without scoring a goal.
Big Fact: Brighton are on an unbeaten streak of nine consecutive league games played on a Friday (G7, E2), but Brentford have also avoided defeat in their last five games of this nature.
Brentford – Brighton : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
