Brentford welcome Brighton to Middlesex this evening hoping to end a three-game winless slump, however, highflying Albion will have other ideas. The Seagulls beat the Bees twice last season and having lost just twice in eight Premier League assignments overall during the current campaign, Brighton will back themselves to prevail.
We’ve pieced together a stats pack for this evening’s contest below, which is chock-full of key info on shots, assists, fouls, corners, cards and more from the sides’ Premier League seasons to date. Hopefully, you’ll be able to turn our research into some winning bet builders later on.
If you’re not sure how to make the most out of my stats pack, then make sure to give my Stats Pack Guide a read. It’ll give you an insight into how to use it effectively.
Predicted Lineups
Christian Norgaard and Keane Lewis-Potter are both injured for Brentford, while defender Pontus Jansson is rated as doubtful.
Ivan Toney and Byran Mbuemo should be paired up front again for the Bees in Thomas Frank’s favoured 3-5-2 formation.
Jakub Moder is a long-term absentee for Brighton and the Polish midfielder isn’t expected to return to the fold until the new year.
Brighton were unlucky not to earn a share of the spoils against Tottenham last week (0-1) and today, Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi could select the same players that performed so well in that narrow defeat.
Team Stats
Brentford have had issues defensively this term and only four clubs have conceded more goals than the Bees so far (17). Brentford are also conceding more shots (14.10) and shots against (5.33) per 90 than they are managing to muster at the other end.
The corner counts both for and against per/90 are also on the high side. In fact, only three clubs’ games have featured more corners per contest on average than Brentford’s.
Unlike previous seasons, Brighton’s output in front of goal (1.75 p/90) lines up well with their xG for (1.71 p/90) which makes a refreshing change for an Albion side known for missing chances.
Most of the Seagulls’ stats for the campaign have a positive slant and it’s also worth noting that they have been drawing 2.25 cards per 90 minutes from their opponents.
Player Shots and Shots on Target
Yoane Wissa has been racking up 2.62 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, though it’s important to remember that the super-sub has started just three matches.
Ivan Toney (2.56 shots p/90) is a more reliable option in the final third for the Bees, while his strike partner Bryan Mbuemo has also been posting healthy figures (2.27) alongside him. Christian Nørgaard also enjoys a stinger from range, however, he is currently injured.
Leandro Trosssard has been hitting just over one shot on target per 90 for Brighton, as has wing-back Solly March, which is something of a surprise. Danny Welbeck (2.20 shots p/90) has had plenty of efforts, though the quality of those strikes has been lacking at times.
Welbeck lodged three attempts against Tottenham last week, though he only managed to test Hugo Lloris once. Pascal Groß (1.31 shots per 90) is always a useful option in the shots market from deeper positions for Albion.
Player Goals and Assists
Ivan Toney has a superb eight goal contributions (6A, 2A) in nine Premier League appearances this season and his performances have given England boss Gareth Southgate a decision to make ahead of the World Cup.
Bryan Mbeumo has chipped in with only two goals so far, while Danish Mathias Jensen has matched Toney stride-for-stride in the assists department. Jensen set up both of those goals all the way back in August, however.
Leandro Trossard boosted his numbers for the campaign with a sensational hattrick at Anfield a couple of weeks back, while Alexis Mac Allister has been padding out his haul from the penalty spot. Belgian forward Trossard scored home and away against Brentford last term.
Pascal Groß meanwhile, has scored an impressive three times from open play and the German has also chimed in with two assists.
Brentford Cards
Summer signing Aaron Hickey (four cards) has been an aggressive addition to the Brentford backline since his move from Bologna, while talisman Ivan Toney has been making his presence felt further forward. The striker has been conceding a huge 1.89 fouls per 90 so far and Toney was booked when Brentford last played Brighton (December ’21).
Ben Mee has been shown yellow just once for his new employers this term, though the veteran should have a tough evening against Brighton’s fluid frontline.
Leandro Trossard is undoubtedly Brighton’s biggest dangerman and the skilful Belgian has the close control to make heavy-tackler Aaron Hickey look foolish later on.
Joel Veltman (fouled 1.08 times per 90) could be targeted by the much-stronger Ivan Toney this evening, though the striker could be punished if he is too heavy-handed.
Danny Welbeck doesn’t quite make it onto our list, though the attacker’s style of play is the stuff of nightmares for Ben Mee and the 33-year-old might be drawn into making a desperate challenge or two on the languid Brighton striker.
Match-Ups to watch
Aaron Hickey vs Leandro Trossard
Ivan Toney vs Joel Veltman
Ben Mee vs Danny Welbeck
Brighton Cards
Alexis Mac Allister is a combative force in midfield for Brighton and the 23-year-old (3 cards) has been giving away 1.88 fouls per 90 minutes.
To his left, fellow South American, Pervis Estupinan, has been conceding even more fouls (2.06 p/90) while Solly March (1.47) on the opposite flank is also one to watch.
When Aaron Hickey isn’t nipping at winger’s ankles, the Scottish full-back is often on the receiving end himself and 20-year-old’s forward runs should put him face-to-face with Pervis Estupinan later today. That duel carries tons of card potential.
On the other side, the same can be said of Rico Henry’s battle against Solly March. Henry has been fouled 1.11 times p/90 for the Bees this season and March will be tasked with keeping tabs on the 25-year-old when Albion are out of possession.
Ivan Toney (fouled 2.11 times p/90) meanwhile, will have to fend off Alexis Mac Allister’s advances when the Brentford striker moves a little deeper to provide a passing option for his teammates.
Match-Ups to watch
Pervis Estupinan vs Aaron Hickey
Solly March vs Rico Henry
Alexis Mac Allister vs Ivan Toney
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I’m quite looking forward to this one myself. It should be a good game between two teams that play very exciting brands of football. I’m expecting plenty of action, and I’m hoping the stats pack will have helped you pick out some winners for tonight’s game.
As always, best of luck if you’re having a bet. But, please remember to gamble responsibly and be sensible with your stakes. Don’t put a bet on if you’re not interested in the game.
