This is live on Sky and most Brentford supporters will have been dreading it, the Bees have lost their way and are coming off an awful 80 minutes against Sheffield United last Tuesday, their worst performance for a very long time. They have won just once in 12 starts, on the plus side, they have continued to create and score (16 goals in that sequence) despite being without 5-7 starters , but their confidence is shot and when this happens to young teams, and Brentford have the youngest squad in the Championship and by some way, it can be catastrophic.

 

The United game was a microcosm of all that has happened for much of those 12 games, Brentford started strongly and led inside 6 minutes and for 10 looked much the better team, but within 15 they had conceded an awful own goal and then to a wonder strike and heads dropped . They did manage to hang in and equalised in the 65th minute after the only good 5-10 minutes they had in the game subsequently, but subconsciously almost wanted to concede, certainly expected to and were not disappointed !

 

 

That is the situation.  WBA are 4th, are the top Championship scorers and will go top with all three points, they are averaging 2.89 goals per home game and are quoted at odds of sub 1.90 and to most bettors that is probably a "banker" and if Brentford play like last Tuesday, it will be .

 

However, we know that the visitors are much better than recent form, they have had six days to work on things and, far more importantly, get Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma and Kamohelo Mokotjo back today, which is a massive and unexpected boost, in addition, Rico Henry , Emiliano Marcondes and Joshua DaSilva will all be far closer to starts after coming off the bench in recent outings following a  return from long term injury/missing pre season at his former club (DaSilva at Arsenal). That is six players, none of whom should bring with them the negative mindset surrounding the recent starting 11, BTW no one has "given up", the "heads drop" in midweek lasted about 30 minutes and one or two are exempt, Neal Maupay for example is top scorer in the Championship (coming into this round), is tucking away everthing coming his way and his work rate and stats are through the roof.

 

I am not betting this game, but it is interesting for the month ahead and a chance we might see the start of the Brentford comeback, the backline should have more protection and the flanks will be far less exposed, with additionally , a LOT more pace in the team and help for Maupay.

 

 

 

Good Luck.