Brentford FC will head from West to North London on Saturday evening in search of three points against Arsenal.
This latest ‘each end of the Piccadilly line’ derby (as pretty much nobody else calls it outside of our house) is one which will be played out in the shadow of that quite incredible Champions League result the other day.
Brentford and Arsenal go head-to-head on Saturday (Pic – Supplied)
Despite just about every pundit predicting an away win prior to kick off, a 0-0 draw at the Gtech meant Chelsea were unable to make significant ground in their quest for a top four place and, with it, the chance to join Europe’s elite next season.
Then again, Arsenal’s first-leg defeat of Real Madrid has opened the door for a fifth place going to the Premier League next season and so The Bees’ impressive solidity at the back may not have hampered Blues’ European aspirations as much as they may have feared.
That’s their issue, of course. For Brentford, the return of Sepp van den Berg alongside Nathan Collins saw Thomas Frank’s first choice centre-back pairing restored.
With Mark Flekken in goal solid as a rock, the wing backs doing as much going forward as on the back foot and defensive midfielders holding their own, the opposition were nullified.
More of the same on Saturday will do very nicely, thank you!
Whilst Brentford may have had less chances overall, theirs were arguably the better ones. Not that it counts for anything if they don’t go in.
On another day perhaps. If The Bees show the same attacking intent at The Emirates then all should be good in the world. Especially if Kevin Schade is set to ‘away’ mode. The German’s performances at home have felt off pace in recent weeks compared to scintillating form when playing away.
Go figure? With Rico Henry, Michael Kayode and Matthias Jensen all fit again, I do wonder if Thomas may rejig slightly? Vitaly Janelt had to be content with the bench against Chelsea, too. I’d suspect he’s the player most likely to return with Yehor Yarmoliuk making way.
Thomas used Thursday’s press conference to confirm the latest injury news or, rather, lack of telling journalists, “There is no new injury news. Everyone who was available for Chelsea is available again, so that’s positive….
The three guys who are getting closer are progressing and going in the right direction. Gustavo Nunes is the closest of the three. Let’s see”.
As for Arsenal, reaching the Champions League semi-finals has to be front and centre. No matter what Mikel Arteta may say in public about the Premier League title race still being open, it isn’t.
Liverpool are Champions in waiting. Not even Leeds United in their wildest nightmares could fall apart from here. Besides, there’s the Championship promotion race battle for that to happen.
In short, all eyes should be fully focused on Spain. Of course Arsenal will still play to win on Saturday but no risks will be taken. Whatever they say.
Thomas was quick to praise The Gunners, describing their 3-0 win as an, “Unbelievably impressive performance”! He’s right, too, but no matter how satisfying that lead is on paper, and to be fair it is, there is still a second leg to come away from home.
A game played out in what is sure to be the proverbial cauldron of noise. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium a powder keg set to explode and as poles apart from a library as one could possibly imagine.
Concede early and all of a sudden that advantage could seem very small. Arsenal will need their very best players in peak condition. Something that could well play to Brentford’s advantage at the weekend.
The away end is sold out but don’t forget this one is on TV as well. However you follow it, enjoy!
