Brentford

Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Hull City at MKM Stadium (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Andrews said there was "nothing major to note" with regards to injury news. The Bees are still without captain Nathan Collins and Mathias Jensen but they have "taken the next step of their journey back with really good weeks of training".

• On striker Igor Thiago, who has scored one league goal this season, Andrews said: "We constantly need to evolve how we are playing and how we are creating chances. Thiago at the moment is a very marked man. We've got goalscorers throughout the team. Thiago being Thiago wants to score more goals and he's certainly not far away."

• On bouncing back after defeat against Liverpool: "We are always quite adaptable and have to be flexible in how and why we do things. We'll find that balance between what we have, where players are with their game, and how we can try to exploit what Hull show to find the gameplan that works."

• On facing Hull: "A proper test. They've a belief they can absolutely compete at this level. They've produced some really good performances; they've been in every single game they've played and we're at the end of October. That says everything about where they are."

• He added that Hull have been "brilliant" since returning to the top flight, stating: "It's very evident that they have a spirit, a really honest spirit about the group, and they have a togetherness and honesty about the group. They've got some very, very experienced players that have been in the league before, and they've got players that are there for the first time that want to enjoy the journey. The way they play the game and the way they're organised is very impressive."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked if you think Igor Thiago should be benched against Hull City on Sunday after some perceived struggles of late.

Here are some of your comments:

Colin: Lots of debate in the stands about resting Thiago but I think it would be a mistake. He adds so much more to the team than scoring (which will come back). He chases, holds up play and lays off balls to other players. His decision making was, admittedly, poor against Liverpool but sometimes players have howlers.

Callum: Rotate him out for this Hull game and play Wilson. Maybe use him as an impact sub and play him at home against Forest. He is not converting at all enough.

Sam: The only issue with Thiago not starting is who would take the centre forward role? I guess you could put Callum Wilson on but I don't think he is at Brentford to be the starting nine - but I am concerned about Thiago's form.

Rog: Thiago is a great striker, but we have another great striker sat on the bench in Wilson. Resting Thiago is an option they should take up, and get Wilson some game time, maybe even play both up front.

Bob: Goalscorers often pass through barren spells so we just need patience and a bit of faith in Thiago. He'll come good.

Ian: Igor Thiago is an old style centre forward. He holds up the ball and brings others into the game. Like any forward, he is going through a lean spell in scoring goals. However, he is a team player and important to Brentford going forward. I am sure that the goals will return to his game. For Keith Andrews to rotate him and start him on the bench, I say no.

Image source, Getty Images

Brentford fan Mike Johnson tells BBC Radio London that there has been plenty of conversation amongst the fanbase about Igor Thiago, and if the Brazil forward should be rested or not.

"I'm a little bit torn, to be honest," Mike said.

"He never hides, he runs his socks off and you can imagine he's a nightmare to play against - but in terms of confidence, his goal against Chelsea hasn't had the desired effect.

"You weigh up the options on the bench and Callum Wilson has looked impressive when he's played, although only in the EFL Cup against Birmingham and Reading.

"Will Keith [Andrews] decide to rest his main number nine? I think the answer is probably no, especially when you consider the close relationship they have off the pitch. You also need to factor in the type of player Thiago seems to be, and if being benched for a game would actually do more damage to his confidence then giving him the nod from the start.

"I think it would be in Thiago and the club's best interests to start him against Hull and hope he gives a performance that gets certain sections of the fanbase off his back - but I do understand where the frustrations are coming from."

Where do you stand on Thiago? Do you think benching him would be a good idea or should Andrews continue to start him?

Get in touch with your views here

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool aren't exactly under pressure, but things are not hunky-dory.

Before Brentford's Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off on Saturday, the Bees were leading and it looked likely to stay that way.

Important Reds are sidelined by injury. This is partly through bad luck but also partly the result of poor planning. With the club spending far too much on too few players, the squad has been left dangerously thin and it shows. It might not be as skeletal as Everton's, but it is still under-resourced, especially with a Champions League campaign to be fought.

The moment of the match for Liverpool, and maybe the most pivotal single moment of the weekend alongside Noni Madueke's goal for Arsenal, was that sending off.

Yarmoliuk had to go because the rules demand it, though I am pretty sure Jeremy Jacquet was not nearly as badly injured as he affected. It was all a sad outcome, particularly when considering the incident leading up to it.

Jacquet was winding Yarmoliuk up and had deliberately stuck his shoulder into the Brentford defender's face seconds before the headbutting reaction. Had Yarmoliuk gone down first, perhaps feigning a terrible injury of his own, the referee might have sent Jacquet off.

The Bees will have felt cheated, though it was gross naivety alongside bad luck. The Brentford man was nudged towards the Frenchman from behind at just the wrong moment.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Cliff: Brentford were the better team when it was 11 versus 11. First sending off cost us the game. I can't believe Liverpool had three £100m-plus players, but yet they we're so ordinary.

Graham: Unfortunately, I feel we are losing our discipline in games. I appreciate that these days you only have to breathe on somebody to get a booking, but that's the way it is. Why is it that it seems to be the same players every game?

Peter: Why was the crowd clapping Yehor Yarmolyuk off? We were in control of the game. Keith Andrews should not play him for the next three games after his red card ban. It might concentrate his mind. Such a stupid way to lose our unbeaten record.

Nigel: Very proud of the Bees. They kept attacking right until the 96th minute. Although we lost for the first time this season, I don't feel too upset after that performance.

Liverpool fans

Rae: So much potential but often so disjointed. Jeremy Jacquet is immense already and Florian Wirtz was creative, yet inconsistent. Alexander Isak becoming the player every one knows. Midfield, though, is still lightweight and needs a proper number six.

Sam: It always looked like we were going to lose this game, even against nine men and being a goal up. The complacency of the guys upfront and the loose passes throughout was shocking! I'm surprised we were able to get a win out of it and we're lucky we did.

Adam: Forget the beautiful game, what we lacked last year was that battling spirit and the ability to fight physical teams, so it was great to see so much of that across the pitch. Made up for Wirtz. Give the lad some credit.

Robbie: A bit of a laboured performance. Physical teams like Brentford don't suit Wirtz - another quiet game. Disappointed to see two more injuries. The plus side is that Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha are looking good and another solid display from Alexis Mac Allister. All in all, it was a hard-earned three points, but there are some hard games ahead. Liverpool must improve.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I felt comfortable and like we were growing into the game. Getting a bit more control of the game and momentum and belief about how we were playing. The sending off gives a bit of a leveller.

"I think we should do better [with the sending off]. I think Yarmolyuk needs to learn from that and he will. He's an amazing young man and I love him to bits. We need to look at ourselves."

"I felt good, I felt confident. I felt we were in a good place and were getting into that state. I think we had really good options to come into the game but the whole dynamic of the game changes within that. But we showed so much character, spirit, grit."

"I'm really disappointed we lost today, I have to be honest. We came into this game in a confident place. We underestimate no team in this league. We're a proper team, and we'll reset and go again."

Did you know?

• Brentford have scored first in all seven of their league games this season – it is the longest run by a team at the beginning of a Premier League campaign since 2011-12 (Manchester City - first 10, Manchester United - first 7).

• Yehor Yarmoliuk received his first red card on his 117th appearance for Brentford across all competitions.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, PA Media

Brentford manager Keith Andrews will have been satisfied with his side's performance and effort, but it was all undermined by one moment of ill-discipline from their Ukraine midfielder Yehor Yarmoliuk.

The Bees had been relatively untroubled and deservedly led through Keane Lewis-Potter's header, but were facing an uphill struggle once they were at a numerical disadvantage after Yarmoliuk tangled with Jeremy Jacquet as they waited for a corner to be taken.

It came at a crucial time, giving lacklustre Liverpool the opening it always seemed inevitable they would take.

Once Liverpool drew level Brentford were fighting a rearguard action rather than taking the game to Liverpool, as they had done in the opening half.

Brentford continued to battle against the odds, but ultimately Yarmoliuk's red card left them with too much to do.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Brentford's performance

What did you make of Liverpool's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Everton v Chelsea (12:30)

• Brentford v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Hull City

• Manchester City v Ipswich Town - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Newcastle United v Aston Villa (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brentford v Liverpool" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Ipswich match", for example.

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

Image source, BBC Sport

New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

Brentford have had an unbeaten start, and while I thought they were a bit lucky to get a draw at Aston Villa last week, they have plenty of momentum.

Liverpool got a big win on their travels in the Champions League against LASK on Wednesday but there are two ways to look at that result.

On one hand, they looked good going forward and it was great for Bradley Barcola to open his account with a hat-trick.

But, at the same time, they conceded three goals and they still have that vulnerability about them at the back.

If the Reds empty the midfield again in this game then they are going to be in trouble, because Brentford are quite direct and will keep looking to run in behind the Liverpool defence.

The sceptics will say Barcola needs to start delivering in the Premier League too, and Florian Wirtz has been taking a bit of a battering for his performances.

The question I asked on the Monday Night Club was: 'what kind of player actually is he?'

They have paid so much money for him but is he a dribbler? No. He's not the kind of player to shoot and score from the edge of the box either.

He has got an intelligent football brain but Liverpool wanted more than that. When you spend so much on a player, you want some numbers from him.

This is a tricky game for Liverpool, and I don't think they will win it. They definitely won't keep a clean sheet, either.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford bid to continue their unbeaten start to the season against a Liverpool side aiming to bounce back from a first loss of the campaign against Manchester City.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into their meeting at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.

Brentford's draw at Aston Villa means they host Liverpool on Saturday as one of only three Premier League teams yet to lose this season, although the manner of the result at Villa Park was another reminder that their strong start could have been even better.

The Bees again dropped points from a winning position, having taken the lead after just 10 minutes through midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk only to go on to draw 2-2.

It means Keith Andrews' side have dropped more points after going ahead than any side other than Bournemouth in this Premier League campaign.

Brentford have trailed for fewer than six minutes in total this season – by far the lowest total of any team – but have won only two of their six matches (D4).

Part of the issue is the form of centre-forward Igor Thiago. Only Erling Haaland scored more than the Brazil international's 22 league goals last season, but Thiago has not been at his clinical best in 2026-27, netting only once from an expected goals tally of 3.2 – the biggest underperformance of any player so far.

Fourth-place Brentford, though, still face Liverpool ranked higher in the league table for the first time since 1938 and against a visiting time who lost for the first time under Andoni Iraola against Manchester City on Sunday, ending the Spaniard's 23-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Incidentally, Iraola's lowest points-per-game tally as a Premier League manager is in this fixture, with his Bournemouth side failing to beat the Bees in all six meetings during his tenure at Vitality Stadium (D2, L4).

Liverpool bounced back from last weekend's loss at Anfield to beat LASK 6-3 in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Bradley Barcola scoring a first career hat-trick – his first Liverpool goals on his seventh appearance since joining for £123m from Paris St-Germain earlier this year.

While Barcola's performance is a welcome boon before a tough away fixture, Liverpool may look elsewhere for a potential match-winner.

Following a difficult debut campaign on Merseyside, Alexander Isak has scored four times in five league outings this season, while his record against Brentford is excellent.

The 27-year-old has scored in all four of his Premier League appearances against the Bees, including three at the Gtech.

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Andrews confirmed Kevin Schade and Jannik Schuster have been "back on the grass" after being substituted off with injuries last time out. It will be a case of "seeing how much they can do" on Saturday afternoon.

• He is "fully anticipating" Sepp van den Berg, Nathan Collins and Mikkel Damsgaard to be involved after recovering from different injuries. Overall, the squad is in "a really good place".

• On having "a really good squad and really good options" this season: "It is difficult picking a team, really difficult. The main message to the group has been that it is going to be a long season. If we want to achieve something really special, we are going to need everybody."

• Mamadou Sangare, who has not started the past two games, will be "right involved" against Liverpool. The central midfielder "lit it up in pre-season" and has been "outstanding" since signing a club-record deal in August.

• Dango Ouattara is still viewed as "vital part" of the team, despite "not quite being himself" this season with the Bees boss adding: "I've got no real concerns, though. Players aren't robots and things go on in their personal lives that can effect performances. He will prove to be a match-winner again pretty soon."

• On Brentford only trailing for five minutes in the Premier League this season: "We definitely don't like losing as a group, but we also try to play with a competitive nature. When we play with our edge, we are a really good side. It is an interesting stat, but it doesn't overly surprise me."

• He added: "The way we approach games is fearlessly. We know we have to stop the top teams playing the game they want and we have to try to imprint our game on them as much as possible."

• On whether the 'underdog' mindset is changing at Brentford: "It is a good question. I do think we've taken a step towards being a team that can give anybody a game on any day, but we can never lose sight of where this club has come from. The whole club is in a really good place at the moment, but we want to keep pushing."

• The Bees haven't suffered a defeat at Gtech Community Stadium since 25 January 2026 - and it is all part of Andrews' plan to make the ground "not a particularly nice place" to travel to for away sides.

• He added: "The home comforts and familiarity are nice for us. The fans have also been amazing this season. The energy they bring pre-game is very much appreciated by the players. Hopefully that continues against Liverpool."

• Andoni Iraola's style of play at the Reds is "similar but equally different" to his philosophy at Bournemouth, so he is expecting another "proper game" against the head coach on Saturday.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Brentford v Liverpool from 15:00 BST on Saturday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Content creator and Brentford fan Mike Johnson has been assessing Brentford's chances in the upcoming game against Liverpool at the weekend.

"Having watched Liverpool against Manchester City at the weekend and a few of their games this season, I do have to say I am not coming into the game with the usual Liverpool fear," he said.

"They're clearly a side in transition, and with a number of players due to miss out. I do back us to get a result.

"I don't think we will have the same joy as we had against Chelsea and Spurs from set-pieces.

"I think the more pertinent battle comes from midfield.

"Yes, Alexis Mac Allister has enjoyed a return to form, but without Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai possibly out, whoever starts in midfield for Brentford needs to be at it from the start.

"The big concern is injury to Kevin Schade. For me, Dango Ouattara has to come back into the starting XI. For one, he is the most Schade-like replacement and two, because he needs some confidence.

"That cameo against Aston Villa was quite painful to watch to be honest.

"You could see against Aston Villa, with every touch and every attack, that his belief is completely shot.

"Delaying the pass, overhitting the pass and not tracking back."

Listen to more from Mike by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

Rangers are under no pressure to sell centre-back Olwethu Makhanya in the next 12 months, but the 22-year-old South Africa defender is attracting interest from Italy and Spain while Brentford and Sunderland had scouts at Saturday's win over Kilmarnock. (Football Insider, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Brentford.

Here are some of your comments:

Villa fans

Prit: Villa slowly and steadily improving, but we really need to finish the chances we create. It looks like Jackson and Manzambi are creating a strong partnership, but I am still concerned about our defence as teams easily go through them. But, Brentford have shown this season they are hard to play against. We lost to them three times last season and, while I would have liked to take the win, I am happy for the draw. Glass is still half full.

Luyimbaazi: The defence still needs to adjust. Maybe it's time for Taylor Harwood-Bellis to earn some minutes in the league, especially now the current defence seems to be in disarray. Hopefully we shall get to see Madjo too.

Alan: An improvement on the Nottingham Forest game but Villa couldn't match the intensity of a very physical Brentford, who will surprise a few this season. Totally inept refereeing didn't help much either for both sides, but particularly Villa in the first half. Fair result overall. On we go.

Gary: We need to remember that Villa are a side in rebuild mode and things will take time. We played a team high in confidence and on an unbeaten run, and we could have won the game with more ruthless finishing. That said, a draw was a fair result.

Brentford fans

Charlie: Good end-to-end football. We seemed to be closing them down in packs, quicker and in more numbers. Ref seemed a bit inconsistent on pushing and shoving and I think McGinn could have had a second yellow on more than one occasion.

Joe: While I'm pleased with the grit and the effort, it definitely looked like we were a bit out of sorts after a long international break. It felt like we'd lose out at every deflection or second ball and Villa attackers would regularly find themselves in a lot of space. Very happy that we kept ourselves in the game despite this and earned a valuable point.

Andy: Good second-half performance. Shame the ref was so bad - he spoiled what could and should have been three points for Brentford.

Stuart: A superb effort from the boys in yellow, showing great resilience to respond so quickly after McGinn's lucky deflected goal.

Everton hold the strongest interest in Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, although Brentford, Aston Villa, Brighton and Leeds United have the 26-year-old France international on their radar. (Teamtalk, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It's another point on the board for impressive Brentford as they climb up to fourth in the league table.

Keith Andrews' side remain alongside Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton as the unbeaten sides this year.

In fact, the Bees have the longest unbeaten run in the top flight, with eight without loss.

Brentford will be disappointed with how quickly they let their lead slip but a point at Villa Park is one they will happily take, especially after staring defeat in the face in the second half.

Andrews will be thrilled with the desire from his side to get back into the game and they got their reward.

But with four draws in their opening six games, Andrews will be desperate to see them turned into wins - starting with next Saturday's home tie against Liverpool.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews, spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's draw against Aston Villa: "[I am] Torn to be honest. I liked a lot today - spirit, grit, determination. There was evidence of rustiness which is understandable but I don't like to use that as an excuse but the boys have been away for three weeks so it's trying to find the balance.

"Then we had Kevin's [Shade] injury, Jannik [Schuster] wasn't right and came off at half time, so we got tested today. But we're also up against a team who I thought were just starting to click before the international break. But the fact that we're disappointed coming away from home to a Champions League team who spend big money tells you a lot."

On Kevin Schade's injury: "He probably wasn't right at halt-time, he wanted to give it a go. He's picked up a shoulder injury so we'll see how he is in the next few days."

On rustiness: "It was strange at times, trying to find the rhythm which can be difficult and has been my main message since getting everyone back. Remembering what we are and what we do and not what they've done for their respective countries over the last few weeks. The boys aren't robots. It takes some time to do but the effort and the endeavour was there in abundance and I felt we could've nicked it."

On taking confidence from a good start to season: "We do. We've started well and we're content with a lot of aspects of what we're doing and how. We want to keep pushing hard and we are disappointed we could've played a bit better and maybe the result was there for us if we'd tidied up a few aspects of our game. Then it would have been a really good start to the season."

Did you know?

• Brentford are the first side since Liverpool in 2018-19 to opening the scoring in each of their first six Premier League games of a season, while the Bees are unbeaten when scoring first in their last 17 league matches; since November 2025 against Brighton (W10 D7).

• Brentford conceded 24 fouls against Aston Villa; it's the most by a side in a Premier League game since Southampton against Chelsea in February 2023 (25).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Aston Villa's performance

What did you make of Brentford's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are six games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Arsenal v Leeds United (12:30)

• Aston Villa v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Chelsea v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Ipswich Town v Fulham

• Sunderland v Brighton

• Manchester United v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Manchester United v Tottenham" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Brentford match", for example.

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

Image source, BBC Sport

New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link