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Daily Brentford Forecast Friday: Can Bees take advantage of distracted Gunners?
53 Plays4 days ago
This is your Forecast Friday, as we look ahead to visit to Arsenal at the weekend as we look for our first victory at the Emirates. We discuss whether it is the perfect time to play Arsenal in between their tie against Real Madrid and whether we need to adapt tactically to get a result.
Host: Daniel Toppin
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Transcript
Introduction & Upcoming Match
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to another episode of your Daily Brentford podcast with myself, Daniel, where today we'll be looking ahead to our trip to the Emirates as we face Arsenal on Saturday. Just before we get going, guys, we are a brand new company, so we're looking for your support this season and beyond as we look to bring you the best and most in-depth coverage across the entire network.
00:00:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Whether it is a five-star review on your favourite podcasting platform or a recommendation to your friends, we are very grateful for any support that we're able to receive.
Tactical Considerations for Brentford
00:00:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
So then, let's go straight into it. Brentford visit the Emirates on Saturday evening. Second place Arsenal are our opposition. And I think it's an interesting time to play Arsenal given their current circumstances and and current position. I think they've got potentially other things to focus on at the moment.
00:00:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
um um And we can also go into it not feeling too much pressure. So I think possibly... Maybe as good a time as any for Brentford to go there and obviously win ah a place we are yet to win at um in our Premier League era.
00:01:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do we change to a back five for this one? It feels like the sort of game that we normally do. um They are still one of the better sides in the league. And even when you talk about the big six in inverted commas, you know, the likes of United, Tottenham and even Chelsea,
00:01:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
At the weekend, you know they didn't really play like a big six side, but you know the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool definitely ah still up there and they still have those levels. So it would not surprise me if we did go ah to a back five, particularly being away from home.
00:01:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
However, I would like to see us be brave. I would like to see us try the back four. um you know We're at a stage of the season where we've got a bit less to play for.
00:02:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is a difficult place to go, but as I said, with Arsenal's current circumstances, being partway through that Real Madrid tie, ah I think you know they may make some changes and they may not be as strong as they otherwise would.
00:02:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
um In terms of any change to the side, knelt. will I assume probably come back into the side, likely for Jan Moliuk. I think it would make sense, um even if we go a back four to beef up the midfield a little. And I think Vitaly Yenelt will do that. um And we need his experience in this type of game.
00:02:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Another thing we could consider doing, which we have done this season, it's consider a back four, but with an extra midfielder in there. um So then you'd be talking about dropping someone like Kevin Shana to the bench, who probably had his worst game in a while um against Chelsea. So perhaps, you know, he's due a game on the bench and this would also give us an option um of him being able to come off the bench, which is an attacking positive option and not not enough. um We haven't had that on enough occasions in recent weeks. So if we did that, could we see a midfield of Norgaard, Janelle, Damersgaard in the three-year-old just coming in off the left?
00:03:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then also someone like Jensen or even Jarmolyuk in there um to really shore up that midfield. and It might help us gain a little bit more control um and you know fight back a bit of territory um in a game in which I spec expect Arsenal probably to dominate um the most of that territory. So I can see the appeal to do that. I think possibly back for um But with the extra midfielder, Dam's guard in his free roll, KLP given license to go up and down and cover that left side, I think might be the best way forward. I think the only thing you lose when Kevin Sharder comes out the side um is the ability to go long towards him.
00:04:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to need to play out from the back if we if we if we go down this route. And we're going to need to be good at doing it and consistent enough at doing it. I think in these types of games, if you are caught in possession too often, if you lose the ball up the pitch, too high up the pitch um too often, then it will always cause problems. I think also if you're under pressure for such a long period, that will eventually tell as well. So it is important in this game that we you know do our best to try and play as often but as as often as possible as well.
00:04:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
um In terms of other possible team news, I reckon it's too soon for Rico Henry and probably Michael Coyote and to start. I would like to see both of them start at some point. And obviously, if you were to bring Rico Henry back in, that could free up Keane Lewis Potter as an attacking option on that left-hand side to compete with Kevin Sharder for that starting position.
00:05:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
And again, it's something... it would solve a problem that I've been raising in recent weeks, again, of the lack of depth on the bench in terms of going forwards. Um, and KLP can be that option. Um, my only worry of KLP is he's been so good this season at left back.
00:05:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um, I think if there is a weakness to his game, it is his final pass, his final ball, his final shot. And I think as a left winger, that will be exposed a lot more than it is at left back.
Player Positions & Lineup Changes
00:05:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um,
00:05:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I just hope he can grow into being a top attacker. I think he is growing into being a very good left-back at the moment. But whether... And it's strange because he was never considered as a left-back but at all prior to this season.
00:05:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But at the moment, you know, I do have some doubts as to whether he's actually better in that left-back position.
00:05:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
In that position. So it's...
00:06:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
is' It's a weird one. It's a weird one with Keane Lewis Potter, I think. You know, we we don't know also with Rico Henry whether he's going to be the same, how long it'll take him to get back to the level he reached before. So I think we could still be seeing Keane Lewis Potter at left back for some time to come.
00:06:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's look towards the Arsenal side then. It's a good time to play them, as I said, between the Real Madrid matches. They're likely to rest players for this one, I think, although they are 3-0 up um and really in command of that tie.
00:06:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think they are naive enough to think that Real Madrid, you know, if anyone's capable of it in Europe, I think Real Madrid are capable of their front line and Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius, Mbappe.
00:06:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
to really overturn that um when Arsenal travel to Madrid. So I think Arsenal will... Look to protect some of their players this one. And if I look at the side that Arsenal put out against Everton, the likes of Odegaard, Martinelli and Saka were all benched.
00:07:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Gabriel also got injured in that game, which breaks up, in my opinion, probably the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League Saliba. I don't think they'll be quite the same um with one of them, not in the side.
00:07:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kai Havertz also remains out. um And the likes of Mikel Marino.
00:07:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Trossard have been really the ones carrying the load um for Arsenal up front in recent weeks. And maybe it'll be Trossard here, given that it was Marino against Real Madrid.
00:07:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
David Rer, of course, will want to do well against his former employers. This his second game playing against Brentford, his former club. and I guess I should say after after um Declan Rice's performance the other night that we need to watch out for set pieces.
00:07:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think Arsenal are very much known for their set pieces, particularly corners. Gabriel has so often been their target from situations like that, so maybe their threat from those situations is mitigated slightly, but...
00:08:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, the way Declan Rice hit those free kicks, two of them, they were perfect. You know, don't give away any silly fouls. That's what I would say to Brentford because, you know, if he's playing, we know what they're capable of. They've got real quality in the side and I'm shocked that that was Declan Rice's first two free kick goals in his career because they were so good. But I think it's just a reminder as to how Arsenal can hurt us, particularly from those set-piece positions, I think they are the best at it in the league. I think Keith Andrews has done a good job of setting us up defensively at set-pieces this season. and I think this will be our biggest test um as we play an Arsenal side who thrive off of those situations. And perhaps if you're going to criticise them, they don't do enough maybe in open play, but definitely set-pieces, they will be a big threat.
00:09:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
So then after the break, I'll be looking back at our previous meetings against Arsenal and I'll be trying to work out how it will go on this occasion.
Podcast Platform & Historical Matches
00:09:59
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00:10:17
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If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr.
00:10:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to part two of your daily Brentford podcast as we look ahead to our visit to second place Arsenal at the weekend. Brentford have never won at the Emirates and the only victory in the Premier League against Arsenal.
00:10:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
was that very memorable, very first game in the Premier League, and the famous 2-0 win at the GTEC. We're currently on a run of four defeats in a row, including an EFL Cup tie in September 2023.
00:11:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
However, we did manage to steal a point at the Emirates in February 2023 in controversial circumstances when an offside was missed on Christian Norgard in the build-up to Ivan Toney's equaliser.
00:11:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Arsenal then are on a five game unbeaten run in the Premier League since a shock home defeat versus West Ham. However, this includes three draws and they have slipped up against Everton, Manchester United and Forest in that time.
00:11:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
They do remain comfortable in second. There's 11 point gap but um above them. um to Liverpool um and the and the titles almost certainly going in Liverpool's way, which means the Champions League is likely to be Arsenal's priority.
00:11:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would suggest moving forward. I mean, their victory last night against Real Madrid meant that the the Premier League will have five teams in the Champions League next season. Arsenal are basically guaranteed to win top five as well.
00:12:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
um so From an outsider perspective, and you know, unless Liverpool completely fell off fall off a cliff, um the title will be going there this season. I don't think Arsenal for one second believe there is really any hope of them resting but that back off Liverpool.
00:12:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And given the result on Tuesday night, given their 3-0 up against Real Madrid heading to the Bernabeu, they will start to believe that they can win the Champions League. but I also think that they will be taking next week very seriously. The second leg will be extremely important to them.
00:12:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, the the Champions League is no stranger to big comebacks. Real Madrid are no stranger to big comebacks. So I do think Arsenal may be inclined to rest a few for this one, especially get given Saka's been injured recently. They've got other injury problems. They don't want to have more injuries going into that game.
00:13:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think ultimately it could be massive um for Arsenal to win that. and you know, if they were to draw or maybe even have another shock defeat at home against us at the weekend, I don't think it would be end of the world from their point of view.
00:13:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
And of course, it would be a great achievement for Brentford. So in in many ways, I do think it is a perfect set of circumstances. Arsenal have their priorities elsewhere. um They may make changes, but they will still ultimately have the pressure on the day of being the favourites to win.
00:13:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I still think Arsenal fans will expect them to beat us. And on the other hand, Brentford don't have much to play for either, but have no other distractions in the final seven games of the season.
00:13:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
We can really go into this one. with nothing to lose and hope for a big upset. And I think those are all most perfect conditions for us to go in and play in. I think we can be confident. I think that's why we should set up with the back four. I think we should set up to play positively.
00:14:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think there is potential to see a fairly similar game to what we saw against Chelsea in that I think we can have a bit more territory than we normally would at the Emirates. And I think we can...
00:14:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
maybe have a bit more of the play, hopefully create a few more chances if the game is going to go how I think it might go. Arsenal, you know, really have their sights cells elsewhere.
Match Predictions & Wrap-up
00:14:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I still think it will be difficult to create chances. um I hope I'll see an even encounter, but I'm just not convinced.
00:14:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And this is normally a strength of ours, but I'm not convinced at the moment that our front line is really on the best form at the moment. I think the likes of, you know, Brian Wisser, Kevin Sharder, even Damsgaard in the last couple of games have not been at their usual levels. And when we get chances, particularly against a better size in the Premier League, you know, we're not going to keep getting a host of chances. So they've got to be taken.
00:14:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think what we saw against Chelsea is that we just weren't able to do that. You know, so many opportunities. The Damsgaard won in the first half. Wisser had a couple. Brian had a couple. Seth Vandenberg probably should have scored.
00:15:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
It just wasn't really going our way. And I think it could be one of those that seems like we're doing quite well in the game at the weekend. But the longer it goes on, um the more frustrating it kind of feels and the more inevitable a late Arsenal winner might seem likely. And I do really fear that we might end up going down that route at the weekend. Hopefully that's not the case.
00:15:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
We know what our forward players can do when they're on form. um but i just don't think it'll be easy i don't think we'll be you know free-flowing creating chances but i just do think we could see a bit more of an even game i still think arsenal defensively is probably their strength um especially over going forwards. I think at times, you know, if they're not relying on set pieces, um they can struggle at times going forwards.
00:16:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Even the Arsenal game the other night against Real Madrid, you you could kind of say that, you know, two or three goals are from free kick situations. um They don't have a natural number nine.
00:16:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
so It could be one of those games where, you know, if there is one side that just takes a chance, that that could swing it either way. um My prediction for this one, i am going to go with a more likely the outcome. I'm going to go 1-0 to Arsenal, but i do think it will be closer, tighter than you would otherwise expect in different circumstances if the game was taking place um normally. I do definitely give Brentford chance here. I...
00:16:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah i actually feel a bit better about this one than I did um when we went to Newcastle the other week. ah I think Arsenal may have slightly more quality on the day when it really matters, but I think it will be a really tight game and we'll be looking back on it thinking, you know, it actually could have gone either way um and it may feel like a missed opportunity in some ways, but I don't think we'll be far off them.
00:17:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I am going to go one at Arsenal. I hope I'm wrong. I hope we are more in the game. And I hope, you know, we do get something because that would be a massive result um in any circumstances for Brentford to go to somewhere like Arsenal and get three points. You know, there's not too many grounds we haven't done that at now.
00:17:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we've won at City before. We've won at Tottenham before. think Arsenal, Liverpool and also Manchester United are probably the three main places we get to do so. So I'm looking forward to it.
00:17:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Again, I think no pressure. Enjoy these last games now and see what it brings. But yeah, definitely a good time, I think, to be playing against Arsenal.
00:17:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
That will do for today. Thank you for listening to the Daily Brentford podcast. We hope you've enjoyed today's episode. And once again, we would be extremely grateful for your support as this will enable us to get bigger and better moving forwards. Daily Brentford can be found on X, Instagram and TikTok under the handle at GSPM Brentford.
00:18:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll be back again next week where we'll be reviewing the action from the weekend. Until then, from myself, thank you for being with me.