Preview: Brentford v Swans
Swansea City will aim to end a three-game losing streak today when they make a first trip to Brentford in more than a decade.
The Swans last visited Griffin Park in September 2006, when a pair of Leon Knight goals saw Kenny Jackett’s team claim victory in League One.
They return to West London this afternoon hoping for a similar result as Graham Potter bids to bring an end to the worst run of his brief Liberty reign.
The Swans have regrouped ahead of the Brentford trip having gone down 2-1 at Derby County last weekend.
That was a third defeat in a week after home losses to Norwich City and West Brom, but Potter has urged his young side to stick together as they look to emerge from a difficult spell.
The Swans boss was proud of the battling qualities his players showed at Pride Park.
His team’s willingness to fight for the cause has not been in question all season but, having been so defensively sound for most of the campaign, the Swans have been too porous in recent outings.
Having conceded eight goals in their last three games, Potter’s men must look to be more resilient as they face a Brentford side who have been struggling for form for some time.
The Bees made a superb start to the season, but have won only one of their last 14 matches in all competitions.
As a result they have dropped to 17th in the Championship.
Like the Swans, they will be hungry to chalk up what would be a morale-boosting win today.
TEAM NEWS
Brentford should have full-back Rico Henry available even though he limped off at West Brom last Monday, while influential forward Ollie Watkins returned after a lay-off at The Hawthorns.
But the Bees have been hit by the loss of attacking midfielder Emiliano Marcondes, who picked up what could be a serious problem against the Baggies.
The Swans have suffered a significant blow after Daniel James picked up a hamstring injury at Derby which will sideline him for a couple of weeks.
Wilfried Bony should be involved after sitting out the Rams trip, while Luciano Narsingh is close to a comeback but is not yet ready to feature.
Tom Carroll remains on the sidelines to a groin problem.
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
Brentford boss Thomas Frank: "We need to be an aggressive, high-pressing team against Swansea. Swansea have done fairly well I would say. It's very difficult coming down, but they have kept the trademark of Swansea dominating possession."
Graham Potter: "They had a bit of luck in the first half, when West Brom had a few chances, but you could see their qualities – especially with the ball. They have a pattern of play and a clear identity."
REMEMBER THE LAST TIME?
The Swans last faced Brentford in a League Cup tie at the Liberty in 2008, with the home side triumphing 2-0 thanks to two goals from Shaun MacDonald.
The most recent league encounter was also in SA1, in January 2007, with Bayo Akinfenwa and an own goal securing another 2-0 Swans win.
And the scoreline was the same when the two clubs met at Griffin Park earlier in the season.
PRIME NUMBERS
8 – The Swans have conceded only eight goals on the road this season. Middlesbrough (seven) are the sole Championship side with a better defensive away record.
18 – Brentford have found the net at least once in 18 of their last 19 home games in all competitions, while they have had more shots at home (65) than any other Championship side this season.
