Promoted clubs battle against the drop
Brentford will be hoping to end an eight game winless run in the Premier League when they travel to rock bottom Norwich City on Saturday.
The Bees won the Championship play-offs last season while the Canaries comfortably ran away with the league title, Norwich were victorious in the reverse fixture before Daniel Farke was promptly dismissed from his role as manager.
Norwich have improved since Dean Smith took the reins, however it seems very unlikely they will have enough to push themselves above the dotted line before matches run out.
Pressure is building on Thomas Frank as the Bees have slid away from a safe mid table position, although the performances have not been too concerning and Brentford will be optimistic of taking maximum points from Norfolk.
Process
The Bees have been much the better side according to expected goals (xG) this season.
The Canaries have a concerning negative expected goals difference and a creating chances at a rate of just 0.88 xGF per game, they have scored just 15 goals all season from 22.8 xG.
Brentford were resolute defensively in the Championship last season, it has been far more difficult this time around, however that could be an area for Frank to focus on in turning results around.
Burnley’s mini-resurgence will have increased the anxiety of clubs like Brentford and Leeds United and the supporters will be desperate for a stress-relieving run of positive results.
A trip to Norwich is a huge opportunity for the Bees to stop the rot and push themselves back on an upward trajectory as we edge towards the business end of the season.
Goals?
Unders looked to be a potential angle, but I cannot get behind either of the backlines and therefore the Asian Handicap offers two outcomes to keep onside.
Norwich have scored in six of ten.
Norwich have conceded in seven of ten.
Norwich have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Norwich have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Brentford have scored in six of ten.
Brentford have conceded in nine of ten.
Brentford have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Brentford have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Brentford have been a better side this season and the pressure will be on at Carrow Road, with the Canaries in a far more desperate situation.
The Bees can profit from this and pull themselves away from the drop.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A stress-relieving 3-1 win for Brentford, Ivan Toney hat-trick.