Meet the opposition | Brentford
As Swansea City ready themselves for Tuesday’s trip to take on Brentford, we take a closer look at the Bees.
What’s their story?
The Bees are in their seventh season in the second tier, having secured automatic promotion from League One under Mark Warburton in 2014.
They looked set for promotion to the Premier League last term only for a run of crucial defeats to condemn them to the play-offs, where they lost to Fulham in the Wembley final.
The West London club have become renowned for their ability to remain competitive on a budget while producing an attractive brand of football.
Arguably the finest spell in their history came during the 1930s when they finished in the top six of the top flight in three consecutive seasons.
How’s their form?
On the up. The Bees have continued to be one of the division’s best sides when in form, but their performances have not been as consistent as they would like.
They have had few problems scoring goals, but have kept just two clean sheets to date, which has cost them points.
Recent wins over Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday were followed by a defeat at Stoke, but they bounced back with a convincing victory against Luton at the weekend.
Who’s the boss?
Thomas Frank. Having taken over from Dean Smith following the former manager's departure for Aston Villa, Dane Frank overcome a difficult start to make the Bees a real Championship force.
Frank studied sports psychology and worked extensively at youth and development level - including a spell in charge of Denmark Under-19s - before making the step up to senior level when handed the manager's job at Brondby in 2013.
He twice guided them to top-four finishes in the Danish Superliga, securing Europa League qualification in the process, before departing to become Smith's assistant at Griffin Park.
He assumed the top job when Smith left for pastures new in October 2018. Frank lost eight of his first 10 games, but they quickly rebounded and have been among the best sides in the Championship all season, although they have not been able to convert that into promotion.
Who’s the captain?
Pontus Jansson. The Sweden international has proved an astute signing since his arrival from Leeds in 2019, and he came within a game of helping Brentford reach the Premier League.
Jansson emerged at Malmo, and played against Swansea in the Europa League ties between the sides in 2013, before making the move to Torino.
His time in Italy did not work out as he would have liked, but he was rejuvenated by a move to Leeds – initially on loan – under Garry Monk in 2016.
Who are the key men?
Striker Ivan Toney has wasted little time making his mark following his summer arrival from Peterborough. Tasked with filling the shoes of Ollie Watkins, he already has nine league goals to his name.
Marcus Forss, meanwhile, has also started the season in strong form with six goals in all competitions.
Bryan Mbuemo – who impressed so much last season – remains a potent threat, while Jansson and Ethan Pinnock form a solid defensive pairing.
Rico Henry’s ability to get forward and support attacks from left back making him a threat, while the influential Mathias Jensen has been something of an unsung hero in their midfield.
