Brentford

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Fabio Carvalho is set for talks with Brentford over his future, as the 23-year-old winger seeks a January move. (Sky Sports), external

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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

Image 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."

Fabio Carvalho will leave Brentford in January, with a permanent move being considered for the winger. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Image 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.

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.

There are three games in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

Kick-off 19:45 GMT unless stated

• Grimsby v Brentford - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wycombe v Fulham - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Wrexham v Cardiff (20:00)

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

"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

Paul Birch
BBC Sport

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

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."

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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.

Portuguese midfielder Fabio Carvalho, 23, could leave Brentford on loan in January to gain playing time, with a return to the Bundesliga on the cards. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Brentford's decision to appoint coach Keith Andrews in succession to Thomas Frank in June raised eyebrows in some quarters, but he deserves full credit and respect as he moves his side into a new era.

The 2-0 win at West Ham on Monday was no reflection of their total domination and this success against the fading champions falls into the same category.

It may have looked close by the scoreline, but in every other way this was a dominant display in which Andrews' side made struggling Liverpool look strictly second best.

And while much will be made of Michael Kayode's long throw that produced the first goal, this was a complete team performance of which that strategy was simply one part of the success.

Brentford lost key trio Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard in the summer, but the signings of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, as well Dango Outarra and goalkeeper Caoimhim Kelleher have proved inspired.

Brazil striker Igor Thiago is a powerful spearhead, netting his sixth league goal this term, while the pass from Mikkel Damsgaard that created Kevin Schade's strike was of the highest class.

No-one will ever forget how former boss Frank transformed Brentford - but Andrews has shown his qualities in a highly impressive start to his first managerial post.

Pundits Michael Carrick and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland

• Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

• Man Utd 4-2 Brighton

Brentford manager Keith Andrews speaking to BBC Match of the Day after beating Liverpool 3-2: "Once we got a grip of the game after 10-15 mins we were excellent."

On the character his side showed: "It was in an abundance. We had to show it. We knew it would be a difficult game so we're really, really pleased with how we showed our personality and character and the resilience in the group.

"It's twice in a row we havve had a disappointment just before half-time [conceding] but how we started in the second half was excellent

"Our home record has been really good. The way we approach games we're growing in confidence. We're heading in the right direction and to win against the Premier League champions makes it a pretty special evening."

Bees forward Kevin Schade also spoke to BBC Match of the Day: "It was hard. It is very hard against Liverpool every time, but we know especially at home that we can hurt them like every team and that's what we did.

"I think if we get the basics right we can beat anyone. Obviously they are the better team in general, but we knew we can hurt them and that's what we did."

On his goal and whether it's his biggest moment in football: "Damzy [Mikkel Damsgaard] and me, we have a special connection. I know he can pass like this so I just go deep and he can do the nice passes.

"In general I think the biggest part of my career right now is to be healthy and play games and play 90 every time."

Did you know?

• Brentford have scored eight Premier League goals from throw-ins since the start of last season, more than twice as many as any other side.

• The Bees have won 33% of their games against the reigning Premier League champions, among teams to play more than two seasons in the competition, only Manchester United (44%), Liverpool (39%) and Manchester City (38%) have better win percentage against these sides.