Goals on the cards in the Benham-Bloom grudge game
The Matthew Benham v Tony Bloom rivalry match takes place on Friday evening in West London as Brighton and Hove Albion travel to Brentford.
The visitors have only taken one point from two matches since the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi, but there have been some very promising moments in their 3-3 draw at Liverpool and 1-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Bees have also made an impressive start to the campaign, in aiming to consolidate comfortably in the Premier League for the second season running.
Ivan Toney is gunning for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad will be confident of causing problems as the Seagulls adjust to De Zerbi’s bold style of play.
Process
Brighton are the better side in both boxes process-wise at the moment, starting the season in fine form under Graham Potter.
Brighton have scored 14 goals in eight games from chances equating to 15.3 expected goals (xG) for, at an average of 1.91 xGF per game.
Their defensive process has only been very healthy, allowing just 1.23 xGA per game on average.
The Bees have been underperforming at the back so far this season, and have a goal difference of -1 despite a positive process in general.
They are creating chances at a very healthy 1.64 xGF per game and have overperformed that a touch to score 16 goals from their opening nine outings.
They have conceded 17 goals from 13.3 xGA and will be hoping to tighten up a little, to ensure that they do not slide down the table ahead of the season pausing.
This is a fascinating tactical tussle with Thomas Frank’s direct Bees probably happy to sit back and allow Brighton possession, but there will be triggers to tempt into pressing the Seagulls backline who are still adjusting to De Zerbi’s methods and the subtle differences between his and Potter’s style of play.
Goals?
Certainly on the cards, Brighton are yet to keep a clean sheet under De Zerbi and the Bees are typically more imposing on their home patch.
Brentford have scored in eight of ten.
Brentford have conceded in seven of ten.
Brentford have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Brentford have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Brighton have scored in seven of nine.
Brighton have conceded in five of nine.
Brighton have seen both teams score in four of nine.
Brighton have seen over 2.5 goals in five of nine.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-0 Brentford, back to the drawing board for De Zerbi.