Brentford

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  1. Crystal Palace 2-0 Brentford: What Andrews saidpublished at 17:51 GMT 1 November

    Media caption,

    Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the defeat at Selhurst Park: "If we're really honest, we weren't at our absolute best. This match was always going to be niggly, tight and edgy. Some of our quality wasn't what it has been over the last few weeks.

    "It was a game of very few chances - and they edged it. My players aren't robots, they will make mistakes. There were elements of the first half that I wasn't bowled over with.

    "The players have been outstanding over the last few weeks. They tried to break them down but just didn't have that little bit of magic.

    "We'll analyse it like we do any game. We are very understanding of where we are and the steps we need to take as a group."

    Did you know?

    • Brentford have lost four of their five Premier League away games under Keith Andrews (W1), after losing just one of their last 11 away fixtures under Thomas Frank last season (W7 D3).

  2. Analysis: More away-day blues for Beespublished at 17:43 GMT 1 November

    Matthew Howarth
    BBC Sport journalist

    Jordan Henderson reacts after Crystal Palace score a goal against Brentford in the Premier LeagueImage source, Getty Images

    Keith Andrews had described Brentford's recent rise up the table as a "natural evolution" resulting from his players "constantly building relationships and understanding" with one another – but the Bees were horribly disjointed once Jean-Philippe Mateta had opened the scoring.

    Passes began to go astray for the visitors as the home side, buoyed by their opener, sought to press home their advantage before the interval.

    The Bees then fell apart completely early in the second half and could have had few complaints had Sarr given Palace a 3-0 lead, moments after Nathan Collins' own goal had put them 2-0 ahead.

    Brentford's first effort on target came six minutes later, but Kristoffer Ajer's tame, close-range header was easily held by Dean Henderson, who was called into action only once more – by Reiss Nelson – before the full-time whistle.

    Andrews' side have exceeded expectations in the Premier League this season but have now lost four of their five top-flight away games under the Irishman, having lost only one of their final 11 league matches on the road under Thomas Frank.

    Things aren't about to get any easier for Brentford on their travels, with away games against Brighton, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City to come before Christmas.

  3. Crystal Palace v Brentford: Team news published at 14:12 GMT 1 November

    Crystal Palace starting XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Lerma, Kamada, Mitchell, Sarr, Pino, Mateta

    Oliver Glasner makes one change to the Crystal Palace side that lost to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in their last Premier League game.

    Jefferson Lerma comes in for Will Hughes, who drops to the bench.

    Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Lerma, Kamada, Mitchell, Sarr, Pino, Mateta

    Substitutes: Benitez, Uche, Clyne, Hughes, Esse, Canvot, Sosa, Devenny, Cardines

    Keith Andrews fields the same Brentford team that started the 3-2 victory over Liverpool last weekend.

    Keane Lewis-Potter, Fabio Carvalho and Reiss Nelson have to settle for a place among the substitutes after starting the 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Grimsby in midweek.

    Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Ajer, Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade, Igor Thiago

    Substitutes: Valdimarsson, Henry, Pinnock, Jensen, Nelson, Fabio Carvalho, Onyeka, Lewis-Potter, Janelt

    Brentford starting XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Ajer, Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade, Igor Thiago
  4. Follow Saturday's Premier League games livepublished at 13:33 GMT 1 November

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  5. Sutton's predictions: Crystal Palace v Brentfordpublished at 12:34 GMT 1 November

    Chris Sutton smiling on a yellow and black background with 'Sutton's predictions' written below his face

    These teams are next to each other in mid-table and it feels like they have both made positive starts to the season - they also both progressed in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

    There were a lot of doubters when Keith Andrews succeeded Thomas Frank as Brentford boss - about Andrews himself and also how the team would do without Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa - but they have coped admirably.

    The Bees are a very good counter-attacking team, so it is going to be fascinating to see how they get on against a Crystal Palace side who can be awesome on the break.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-0

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  6. Crystal Palace v Brentford: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:04 GMT 31 October

    Matthew Hobbs
    BBC Sport journalist

    Crystal Palace host Brentford on Saturday afternoon after both clubs reached the quarter-finals of the League Cup in resounding fashion earlier this week.

    BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at Selhurst Park.

    Battle of the long throw

    Crystal Palace and Brentford meet in the Premier League following League Cup wins, although it is the Bees who are in better form in the Premier League.

    Brentford, who defeated Grimsby Town 5-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, have won three of their last four Premier League matches, including a 3-2 triumph over Liverpool last weekend.

    Victory against the reigning champions was the latest example of Brentford using defender Michael Kayode's battery of long-throws effectively, with one leading to Dango Ouattara's opening goal.

    It is one of eight occasions that Brentford have scored a Premier League goal from a throw-in since the start of last season – at least five more than any other side.

    A table of data showing the Premier League teams who score most often from throw-ins
    Image caption,

    Brentford have been the most prolific Premier League team at scoring from throw-ins

    Set-piece expertise

    Focusing on such a tactic is no surprise given the involvement of Keith Andrews, first as set-piece coach and then as head coach following the departure of Tottenham-bound Thomas Frank ahead of this season.

    After losing at Gtech Community Stadium last weekend, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said: "They're a very good team in winning duels and second balls and you have to give them credit for that.

    "It's also difficult to win a game of football if the set-piece balance is in their favour."

    And after Manchester City edged a 1-0 win at Gtech Community Stadium at the start of October, match-winner Erling Haaland said: "It was a tough game and reminded me of Stoke City with Rory Delap 15 years ago."

    A meeting of similar styles

    Brentford have put 47 long throws into the box, at least nine more than any other side, although second on that list is Crystal Palace.

    The Eagles host Brentford after beating Liverpool for a third time this season (including on penalties in the Community Shield) to end a four-game winless run in all competitions.

    Palace have lost on two of their last three league outings – the same number of defeats as in their previous 19 games combined – but their success in the Premier League this season has ben built on similar tactics to Saturday's visitors.

    Only the Eagles (18) have generated more shots from throw-ins than Brentford (17) this season, while Palace and Brentford rank in the Premier League's top three teams for direct speed – meaning attacks that progress the most quickly in terms of metres gained during open play.

    A table of data showing the Premier League teams who attack at the highest speed in 2025-26
    Image caption,

    Crystal Palace and Brentford have been effective at attacking with speed this season

    If similar styles should make for an intriguing contest this weekend, Brentford have got the better of the Eagles in the Premier League, achieving the league double in this fixture last season and losing only once in their eight meetings.

  7. Andrews on Hickey's fitness, 'selfless' Thiago and Palacepublished at 15:43 GMT 31 October

    Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (15:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Andrews confirmed Jordan Henderson is fit and was rested for the Carabao Cup win over Grimsby on Tuesday, while Yehor Yarmoliuk will also be available after being withdrawn during the first half of last weekend's win over Liverpool.

    • Aaron Hickey has recovered from an injury suffered on international duty with Scotland and trained this week so will be available for Saturday, but Benjamin Arthur will not be involved after going off against Grimsby with a knock.

    • On the growth in his team, Andrews said: "I've really enjoyed watching us play. I want to get results but when you get the performance with the results, it is the ideal scenario. You watch your team grow and develop in the way that I think we have. I'm enjoying where we are at."

    • Asked if he has had discussions with Fabio Carvalho about his future, amid speculation of a move away from Brentford in January, he said: "No, nothing at all."

    • On Igor Thiago's form: "He's clearly in a very good place. Great rhythm in his game, playing with confidence, enjoying life. He's played a pivotal part in what we've done. The selfless way he approaches games - you can see how hard he works for the team. He's really settled into a groove. Players are loving playing with him."

    • On interest in the forward from elsewhere in January: "Thiago is going absolutely nowhere. He's a pivotal part of the football club. He doesn't want to go anywhere. That won't be happening."

    • The Bees and Palace are the top two for long-throws in the Premier League so far this season and Andrews believes there is still "snobbery" around it: "It will be part of the puzzle that both teams have to deal with. A lot has been made of the long-throws this season. Most teams are using it and realising the danger it can be. Tomorrow will be a very tough game and that will be a part of it."

    • On Reiss Nelson, who scored and assisted against Grimsby: "Reiss is a very mature young man. He's very serious about the game. Naturally, when you have those setbacks you develop a level of resilience. We had to be a little bit patient with his approach. Grimsby was a good showcase of what he's about."

    Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

  8. The year of the dead ballpublished at 08:08 GMT 31 October

    The text and chart explain the importance of set-pieces in the Premier League by showing the percentage of goals scored from them. The chart compares the current season's percentage with the average over the past several seasons.
The question posed is "Why are set-pieces so important?"
In the 2025-26 Premier League season, 27.8% of goals have been scored from set-pieces (excluding penalties).
The average percentage of goals scored from set-pieces since the 2015-16 season is 21.65%.
The data indicates a significant increase in the percentage of goals from set-pieces in the 2025-26 season compared to the long-term average.

    This - it seems - is the season of the set piece.

    The Premier League debates are more about dead balls than ever before, with some sides enjoying immense success from corner kicks, throw ins or well-worked free-kicks.

    What fine timing then for BBC Sport to launch a column with former manager Tony Pulis, a man who seemed to finely extract the fine margins from the game.

    You can take in Tony's column on set pieces here

    The image shows a table comparing the percentage of goals scored from corners in major European football leagues for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
In the 2024-25 season, the Premier League had the highest percentage of goals from corners at 12.1%.
In the 2025-26 season, the Premier League again topped the list with 18.7% of goals coming from corners.
The Bundesliga had the second-highest percentage in 2024-25 (12.0%), but dropped to the lowest in 2025-26 (12.6%).
The data is sourced from Opta and the image is from the BBC.
  9. Carabao Cup quarter-final draw detailspublished at 22:40 GMT 29 October

    Only eight teams remain in the Carabao Cup and the draw for the quarter-finals has been made.

    Holders Newcastle United, who beat Tottenham in their fourth-round tie on Wednesday, have been paired with Fulham in the last eight.

    All four ties are scheduled to take place during week commencing 15 December.

    • Arsenal v Crystal Palace

    • Cardiff City v Chelsea

    • Manchester City v Brentford

    • Newcastle v Fulham

  10. 'The fans can get as excited as they want'published at 08:04 GMT 29 October

    Keith Andrews applauds the Brenford fans after the win over GrimsbyImage source, Getty Images

    Brentford boss Keith Andrews, speaking after his side reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a comfortable 5-0 win over Grimsby: "I'm delighted. We approached the game really well.

    "The professionalism and attitude in the group doesn't surprise me, we just maybe had to educate some of the players about what it might be like and the levels required.

    "Some of the foreign boys wouldn't be aware of this part of the world and this level of football. That was a big part of our approach to this game.

    "Tactically, we didn't change too much. With the personnel, there was a lot changes because they deserved it, and they performed really well.

    "Fans can always get excited. I wanted all the staff to go over and engage with them because it was a long way for them to travel. That's what it's about: players and fans. The fans can get as excited as they want."

    After making his full Bees debut and registering a goal and an assist, winger Reiss Nelson said:

    "It's been a bit slow for me coming here, with a little setback and injury.

    "I've been working in the background, so I was delighted to start and get a nice assist and a nice goal - it's about moving forward from here.

    "We showed our fighting spirit and the team we can be, even with all the changes we made."

  11. Bees show strength in depthpublished at 22:19 GMT 28 October

    Neil Johnston
    BBC Sport journalist

    Brentford's Nathan Collins celebrates scoring his side's fifth goal against Grimsby Town in the Carabao CupImage source, PA

    The last time Grimsby Town and Brentford met was in League Two 16 years ago.

    Since then Brentford have climbed the divisions to establish themselves in the Premier League, and are now just two rounds from a major cup final.

    Questions were asked whether manager and former set-piece coach Keith Andrews could continue the good work of Thomas Frank after the Dane left for Tottenham in the summer.

    It is fair to say the transition has gone better than many thought.

    In the past four weeks Brentford have beaten Manchester United, West Ham, Liverpool and, on Tuesday, produced a thoroughly professional display to overcome Grimsby, something Ruben Amorim's side were unable to do.

    It was a much-changed Brentford, with only defender Sepp van den Berg and forward Dango Ouattara appearing from the starting XI that put Liverpool to the sword at the weekend.

    This was a near-perfect night for the Bees, who emerged with a fine win and no injuries after giving much-needed game time to several fringe players.

    It was a big night for Reiss Nelson, who was desperate to make an impact after the winger's campaign was cut short by a hamstring injury while on loan at Fulham last season.

    His first start of this season ended with one assist, one goal and a passing accuracy of 96.4%.

    While this was a reality check for Grimsby, Brentford's travelling fans left Blundell Park wondering if their team can better the achievement of four years ago when the Bees reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

  12. Grimsby v Brentford: Team newspublished at 19:10 GMT 28 October

    Grimsby line-up

    Grimsby Town, who sit sixth in League Two, include midfielder George McEachran in their starting XI.

    McEachran came through the academy at Chelsea and was an unused substitute for the Blues in the 2019 Europa League final, while his older brother Josh is an ex-Brentford player.

    Jaze Kabia, who has two goals in this season's competition including the winner against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, also starts.

    Brentford make nine changes to the side that started the 3-2 win over Liverpool at the weekend - defender Sepp van den Berg and winger Dango Ouattara are the only survivors.

    Reiss Nelson makes his first start since joining on loan from Arsenal.

    Igor Thiago, who has six Premier League goals this season, is on a strong bench.

    Brentford line-up
  13. 'Where are the doubters now?'published at 11:58 GMT 28 October

    Ian Westbrook
    Fan writer

    Brentford fan's voice banner
    Keith Andrews on the touchline for Brentford

    "Where are the doubters now?"

    Brentford supporters of a certain vintage will remember former manager Phil Holder saying this to us assembled fans on the Griffin Park pitch after clinching promotion in 1992. Fans got stressed after a late-season wobble and Holder was quick to call out his detractors once the job was done.

    Keith Andrews could be forgiven if he uttered the same phrase to his critics after Saturday's magnificent win over Premier League champions Liverpool.

    Rookie manager Andrews was written off in certain quarters before a ball was kicked, with the Bees being tipped as favourites for relegation.

    There is still a long way to go, but - as I've said all along - we are not going down.

    What a night Saturday was!

    Brentford were absolutely superb from the first to the last whistle. Other than a 15-minute spell in the first half when Liverpool seemed certain to equalise, we controlled the rest of the match.

    Andrews' decision to stick with four at the back paid off handsomely and we took the game to Arne Slot's side.

    It was a great team performance with everyone playing their part - but there were also some outstanding individual displays.

    Michael Kayode showed what a star in the making he is. Liverpool couldn't get the ball off him and he seemed to cover the entire pitch in 90 - or should I say 105 - minutes.

    I'd hoped we could keep him under the radar but after such a good performance in such a big game, I worry he will be elsewhere in 12 months' time.

    Dango Ouattara had his best game since signing from Bournemouth, while Kevin Schade had one of his best matches in a Brentford shirt.

    It was a privilege to be there with close family and friends for a night that will live long in the memory.

    Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

  14. Brentford's tactical transition under Andrewspublished at 11:48 GMT 28 October

    Paul Birch
    BBC Sport

    A graphic comparing Brentford stats under Thomas Frank and Keith Andrews
Average per Premier League game
Possession: 45.1% under Frank, 39.7% under Andrews
Goals scored: 1.7 under Frank, 1.6 under Andrews
Goals conceded: 1.5 under Frank, 1.6 under Andrews
Total shots: 11.6 under Frank, 10.7 under Andrews
Touches in opposition box: 27 under Frank, 22 under Andrews
Long passes: 54 under Frank, 49 under Andrews
Fast breaks: 0.7 under Frank, 1.6 under Andrews

    Given his background as Brentford's set-piece coach, the expectation was that Keith Andrews' team would score more than ever from that source, but goals via set pieces are actually at the lowest level since they gained promotion to the Premier League in 2021.

    That is not to say it is not from a want of trying. They have had the sixth-most attempts via set pieces this season, with Michael Kayode's long throws an extremely potent weapon.

    After Manchester City edged a 1-0 win at Gtech Community Stadium last month, match-winner Erling Haaland said: "It was a tough game, and reminded me of Stoke City with Rory Delap 15 years ago."

    Read more on Brentford's transition under Andrews

  15. Andrews on Thiago, squad rotation and Grimsbypublished at 14:27 GMT 27 October

    Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup game against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park (kick-off 19:45 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Andrews firstly spoke about overcoming Liverpool on Saturday: "The place has been quite vibrant, good energy. Results will always bring that, certainly the magnitude of the one we got the other night."

    • Asked how he uses that energy, Andrews said: "You have to maintain it. Standards - they have set the bar really high in the last week. I think tomorrow night's game is a really good game for us."

    • Andrews said "the squad will be utilised" for the cup game but it will still "be strong" enough to give them the best opportunity of progressing to the quarter-final stage.

    • Despite facing League Two opposition, he said "the process is the exact same as the build-up to any game" and they have "watched a lot" of Grimsby" to learn "the qualities they have and the system they play".

    • More on Grimsby: "To get to this point in the competition is significant for them. They have achieved a lot this season and are a very well-coached team. We have to be very respectful of them but we will be ready."

    • On how the players are gearing up for the match: "We've got a humble group and a hungry group that want to achieve and really wouldn't underestimate any opposition."

    • Andrews was asked if he has taken in the achievements of the last week: "I have tried to soak it in a little bit but you are quickly on to the next game. Sunday was a nice feeling to debrief. We made a big thing about the collective staff, it's really important the contribution they make on a daily basis, for the players to realise that and acknowledge that. We were very quickly onto Grimsby. I did go for a meal last night but that was the end of it. You can take a moment and think 'we did really good last week' but this game has a habit of testing you and I am very aware of that."

    • On the form of Igor Thiago, Andrews said: "I like a lot. His heart is huge. His spirit, his courage, the adversity he faced last year around his injury, settling into a new country and culture. I think what he got here was real support and a real belief in him. As a person he really settled into this club. I speak pretty much every day about his game and how we can improve him. He's a nightmare to play against, that's the reality of the way he plays the game with such hunger. Sometimes you have to calm him down such slightly. He's proving to be a major player for us which we thought he would be."

    • Andrews discussed facing teams who adapt their style and stressed he enjoys finding a way to win games, adding: "The one thing we have got is individual brilliance. I think we really have that in the squad, players capable of moments. That comes from the environment, the support they get, the training model as we are big on developing player's individual qualities."

    • The Bees coach was asked about his route into senior management and if he had advice for those on a similar journey: "Mine is probably slightly different. We do things slightly different here. I devoted a lot of time to learning my craft. I coached every age group, in every division, international football. I really fixated on that post-playing career, that I wanted to achieve something really, really good after my playing career. I am quite ambitious but equally I was very respectful of the role I wanted it to be. It probably came a little bit sooner at this level than I thought it would. I think everybody has to find their own plan but I am really big on you have to do the hard yards."

    • Discussing his career trajectory more, Andrews said: "I was 29 when I started my coaching journey I suppose, started with my 'B' licence. I was coaching in academies when I was still playing. I wanted to see if I liked it. First and foremost, I wanted to get prepared for retirement as I'd seen a lot of players retire and struggle and I didn't want to be that person. I found out really quickly that I really enjoyed coaching and developing players. I was lucky to play with some brilliant managers. Roy Hodgson who I had dinner with a couple of weeks ago was brilliant with advice. Tony Pulis has been in. I have had a few you take snippets from. You are always trying to learn from people of that ilk."

    Follow all of Monday's football news

  16. Brentford 3-2 Liverpool - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:42 GMT 27 October

    Your opinions graphic

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    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Liverpool.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Brentford fans

    Steve: A thoroughly professional performance against the reigning champions and the tactics were spot on. Liverpool are becoming easy to read these days, and teams are adapting their style of play to expose their weak spots. A well-deserved three points, as the score flattered Liverpool.

    Cliff: Just a brilliant performance from one to 11, plus the subs. We exploited Liverpool's weaknesses brilliantly. Special mention to Kayode, who I believe will become the best right back in the world.

    Mel: Wow, what a match, it had everything you want to see in a match. A game full of energy, passion and quality from an ever-maturing Bees squad depleted by the loss of key personnel in the summer. Andrews has learned well from Thomas Frank and his game plan successfully defeated a formidable Liverpool squad.

    Chuck: Magnificent performance from Brentford. There was plenty of quality football on show from the Bees, as well as the mayhem we caused with our set pieces. Liverpool were second best all evening, even with the help of two referees.

    Liverpool fans

    Mark: Liverpool played exactly as they are, a team short on confidence, plus you have to give credit to Brentford. Alisson and Gravenberch are injured, while Konate, Mac Allister, Gakpo and Salah are out of form,]. Van Dijk and Robertson are doing OK, so it is only really Szoboszlai that is showing anywhere near the form from last season.

    Nick: Liverpool should go back to the system that won them the Premier League last season. 4-3-3 and stay much lower in a defensive block, so the long ball doesn't catch them out. The system they now play will see them completely fall down the league table. Slot should take a look at himself to right the wrongs.

    John: Van Dijk has been poor so far. He's out of position too many times and that's where the goals are being scored from. We are missing Gravenberch in midfield, but the defending is poor. I think the two new full-backs were panic buys and have weakened the team rather than made it better. Isak's been a waste of money and they should have spent it on Guehi.