Brentford Preview: Oppositions Views

Last updated : 06 February 2003 By Site Staff
Are Brentford living up to their fans expectations?
Well, I think so, we started the season very well, but our side is a young one
Rowlands, somewhere
and with one of two suspensions, coupled with two home postponements and a slight loss of form, has resulted in Brentford's drift down towards mid table. However, we have twenty games to go as I write and there is still time to make a late surge into play-off contention although if I were to be realistic, a top ten finish would be good effort considering last summers upheaval, following our failure to win the play-off final against Stoke City. As for the remainder of the fans, well after all the financial problems that have been well publicised, I think a comfortable mid table position, coupled with a FA Cup Fourth Round appearance is acceptable.

Did anyone impress you, out of the Crewe team, at the Gresty Road?
Yes, obviously Rob Hulse. His movement was exceptional and his goal scoring feats this season speak for themselves.

What change would you most like to see before/on Saturday?
A couple of new faces introduced into the Brentford squad to freshen things up a bit, but with the current financial situation surrounding the club this is extremely unlikely.

Low point of the season?
Hard to say really, the most disappointing result so far has to be the last minute defeat at strugglers, Cheltenham Town. Not only the result, but the manner of the defeat.

High point?
Without a doubt, the defeat of John Gregory's Derby County in the FA Cup Third Round. Other good performances have seen a hard fought win against Bristol City 1-0 very early in the season, and another FA Cup victory, 4-2 at Wycombe Wanderers in Round One stands out in the memory. And of course the 5-0 destruction of Steve McMahon's Blackpool at a rain soaked Griffin Park back in November.

What's Brentford's weak point?
Goal scoring, especially at home (apart from the afore mentioned victory against Blackpool) has proved to be a problem. Rowan Vine and Mark McCammon work hard and there is plenty of industry from winger Steve Hunt. We have missed midfield schemer and pivotal player Martin Rowlands, for the majority of the season, although he may be fit for next Saturday.

Strong point?
Coincidentally our home record and the fact we have only conceded seven league goals at Griffin Park all season.

Best player?
For me it is the steal of the season, Ibrahim Sonko. Ibrahim arrived on a free
Extra small Sonko
on the eve of the away trip on the opening day of the season to Huddersfield Town and the Senegal U21 international has been in inspirational form ever since. Keeper Paul Smith is also one of the best in the division - famous last words.

How many do you expect to turn out at Griffin Park?
Our attendances are hovering around the 5, 500 - 6, 000 mark. Crewe Alexandra are always popular visitors to Griffin Park and with your side going so well I would imagine a gate of around 6, 500 hopefully.

Prediction for Saturday?
My heart says a home win 1-0 or 2-1.Realistically we may have to be happy with a point, although only leaders Wigan Athletic and Barnsley have managed to obtain all three points in league fixtures at Griffin Park this season. However, with you guys going so well you may well triumph and take all three points back to Gresty Road.


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