Brentford

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, PA

The last time Grimsby Town and Brentford met was in League Two 16 years ago.

Since then Brentford have climbed the divisions to establish themselves in the Premier League, and are now just two rounds from a major cup final.

Questions were asked whether manager and former set-piece coach Keith Andrews could continue the good work of Thomas Frank after the Dane left for Tottenham in the summer.

It is fair to say the transition has gone better than many thought.

In the past four weeks Brentford have beaten Manchester United, West Ham, Liverpool and, on Tuesday, produced a thoroughly professional display to overcome Grimsby, something Ruben Amorim's side were unable to do.

It was a much-changed Brentford, with only defender Sepp van den Berg and forward Dango Ouattara appearing from the starting XI that put Liverpool to the sword at the weekend.

This was a near-perfect night for the Bees, who emerged with a fine win and no injuries after giving much-needed game time to several fringe players.

It was a big night for Reiss Nelson, who was desperate to make an impact after the winger's campaign was cut short by a hamstring injury while on loan at Fulham last season.

His first start of this season ended with one assist, one goal and a passing accuracy of 96.4%.

While this was a reality check for Grimsby, Brentford's travelling fans left Blundell Park wondering if their team can better the achievement of four years ago when the Bees reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

Grimsby Town, who sit sixth in League Two, include midfielder George McEachran in their starting XI.

McEachran came through the academy at Chelsea and was an unused substitute for the Blues in the 2019 Europa League final, while his older brother Josh is an ex-Brentford player.

Jaze Kabia, who has two goals in this season's competition including the winner against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, also starts.

Brentford make nine changes to the side that started the 3-2 win over Liverpool at the weekend - defender Sepp van den Berg and winger Dango Ouattara are the only survivors.

Reiss Nelson makes his first start since joining on loan from Arsenal.

Igor Thiago, who has six Premier League goals this season, is on a strong bench.

There are three games in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

Kick-off 19:45 GMT unless stated

• Grimsby v Brentford - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wycombe v Fulham - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Wrexham v Cardiff (20:00)

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

"Where are the doubters now?"

Brentford supporters of a certain vintage will remember former manager Phil Holder saying this to us assembled fans on the Griffin Park pitch after clinching promotion in 1992. Fans got stressed after a late-season wobble and Holder was quick to call out his detractors once the job was done.

Keith Andrews could be forgiven if he uttered the same phrase to his critics after Saturday's magnificent win over Premier League champions Liverpool.

Rookie manager Andrews was written off in certain quarters before a ball was kicked, with the Bees being tipped as favourites for relegation.

There is still a long way to go, but - as I've said all along - we are not going down.

What a night Saturday was!

Brentford were absolutely superb from the first to the last whistle. Other than a 15-minute spell in the first half when Liverpool seemed certain to equalise, we controlled the rest of the match.

Andrews' decision to stick with four at the back paid off handsomely and we took the game to Arne Slot's side.

It was a great team performance with everyone playing their part - but there were also some outstanding individual displays.

Michael Kayode showed what a star in the making he is. Liverpool couldn't get the ball off him and he seemed to cover the entire pitch in 90 - or should I say 105 - minutes.

I'd hoped we could keep him under the radar but after such a good performance in such a big game, I worry he will be elsewhere in 12 months' time.

Dango Ouattara had his best game since signing from Bournemouth, while Kevin Schade had one of his best matches in a Brentford shirt.

It was a privilege to be there with close family and friends for a night that will live long in the memory.

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

Paul Birch
BBC Sport

Given his background as Brentford's set-piece coach, the expectation was that Keith Andrews' team would score more than ever from that source, but goals via set pieces are actually at the lowest level since they gained promotion to the Premier League in 2021.

That is not to say it is not from a want of trying. They have had the sixth-most attempts via set pieces this season, with Michael Kayode's long throws an extremely potent weapon.

After Manchester City edged a 1-0 win at Gtech Community Stadium last month, match-winner Erling Haaland said: "It was a tough game, and reminded me of Stoke City with Rory Delap 15 years ago."

Read more on Brentford's transition under Andrews

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup game against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park (kick-off 19:45 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Andrews firstly spoke about overcoming Liverpool on Saturday: "The place has been quite vibrant, good energy. Results will always bring that, certainly the magnitude of the one we got the other night."

• Asked how he uses that energy, Andrews said: "You have to maintain it. Standards - they have set the bar really high in the last week. I think tomorrow night's game is a really good game for us."

• Andrews said "the squad will be utilised" for the cup game but it will still "be strong" enough to give them the best opportunity of progressing to the quarter-final stage.

• Despite facing League Two opposition, he said "the process is the exact same as the build-up to any game" and they have "watched a lot" of Grimsby" to learn "the qualities they have and the system they play".

• More on Grimsby: "To get to this point in the competition is significant for them. They have achieved a lot this season and are a very well-coached team. We have to be very respectful of them but we will be ready."

• On how the players are gearing up for the match: "We've got a humble group and a hungry group that want to achieve and really wouldn't underestimate any opposition."

• Andrews was asked if he has taken in the achievements of the last week: "I have tried to soak it in a little bit but you are quickly on to the next game. Sunday was a nice feeling to debrief. We made a big thing about the collective staff, it's really important the contribution they make on a daily basis, for the players to realise that and acknowledge that. We were very quickly onto Grimsby. I did go for a meal last night but that was the end of it. You can take a moment and think 'we did really good last week' but this game has a habit of testing you and I am very aware of that."

• On the form of Igor Thiago, Andrews said: "I like a lot. His heart is huge. His spirit, his courage, the adversity he faced last year around his injury, settling into a new country and culture. I think what he got here was real support and a real belief in him. As a person he really settled into this club. I speak pretty much every day about his game and how we can improve him. He's a nightmare to play against, that's the reality of the way he plays the game with such hunger. Sometimes you have to calm him down such slightly. He's proving to be a major player for us which we thought he would be."

• Andrews discussed facing teams who adapt their style and stressed he enjoys finding a way to win games, adding: "The one thing we have got is individual brilliance. I think we really have that in the squad, players capable of moments. That comes from the environment, the support they get, the training model as we are big on developing player's individual qualities."

• The Bees coach was asked about his route into senior management and if he had advice for those on a similar journey: "Mine is probably slightly different. We do things slightly different here. I devoted a lot of time to learning my craft. I coached every age group, in every division, international football. I really fixated on that post-playing career, that I wanted to achieve something really, really good after my playing career. I am quite ambitious but equally I was very respectful of the role I wanted it to be. It probably came a little bit sooner at this level than I thought it would. I think everybody has to find their own plan but I am really big on you have to do the hard yards."

• Discussing his career trajectory more, Andrews said: "I was 29 when I started my coaching journey I suppose, started with my 'B' licence. I was coaching in academies when I was still playing. I wanted to see if I liked it. First and foremost, I wanted to get prepared for retirement as I'd seen a lot of players retire and struggle and I didn't want to be that person. I found out really quickly that I really enjoyed coaching and developing players. I was lucky to play with some brilliant managers. Roy Hodgson who I had dinner with a couple of weeks ago was brilliant with advice. Tony Pulis has been in. I have had a few you take snippets from. You are always trying to learn from people of that ilk."

Follow all of Monday's football news

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

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Steve: A thoroughly professional performance against the reigning champions and the tactics were spot on. Liverpool are becoming easy to read these days, and teams are adapting their style of play to expose their weak spots. A well-deserved three points, as the score flattered Liverpool.

Cliff: Just a brilliant performance from one to 11, plus the subs. We exploited Liverpool's weaknesses brilliantly. Special mention to Kayode, who I believe will become the best right back in the world.

Mel: Wow, what a match, it had everything you want to see in a match. A game full of energy, passion and quality from an ever-maturing Bees squad depleted by the loss of key personnel in the summer. Andrews has learned well from Thomas Frank and his game plan successfully defeated a formidable Liverpool squad.

Chuck: Magnificent performance from Brentford. There was plenty of quality football on show from the Bees, as well as the mayhem we caused with our set pieces. Liverpool were second best all evening, even with the help of two referees.

Liverpool fans

Mark: Liverpool played exactly as they are, a team short on confidence, plus you have to give credit to Brentford. Alisson and Gravenberch are injured, while Konate, Mac Allister, Gakpo and Salah are out of form,]. Van Dijk and Robertson are doing OK, so it is only really Szoboszlai that is showing anywhere near the form from last season.

Nick: Liverpool should go back to the system that won them the Premier League last season. 4-3-3 and stay much lower in a defensive block, so the long ball doesn't catch them out. The system they now play will see them completely fall down the league table. Slot should take a look at himself to right the wrongs.

John: Van Dijk has been poor so far. He's out of position too many times and that's where the goals are being scored from. We are missing Gravenberch in midfield, but the defending is poor. I think the two new full-backs were panic buys and have weakened the team rather than made it better. Isak's been a waste of money and they should have spent it on Guehi.

Portuguese midfielder Fabio Carvalho, 23, could leave Brentford on loan in January to gain playing time, with a return to the Bundesliga on the cards. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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

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Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Brentford's decision to appoint coach Keith Andrews in succession to Thomas Frank in June raised eyebrows in some quarters, but he deserves full credit and respect as he moves his side into a new era.

The 2-0 win at West Ham on Monday was no reflection of their total domination and this success against the fading champions falls into the same category.

It may have looked close by the scoreline, but in every other way this was a dominant display in which Andrews' side made struggling Liverpool look strictly second best.

And while much will be made of Michael Kayode's long throw that produced the first goal, this was a complete team performance of which that strategy was simply one part of the success.

Brentford lost key trio Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard in the summer, but the signings of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, as well Dango Outarra and goalkeeper Caoimhim Kelleher have proved inspired.

Brazil striker Igor Thiago is a powerful spearhead, netting his sixth league goal this term, while the pass from Mikkel Damsgaard that created Kevin Schade's strike was of the highest class.

No-one will ever forget how former boss Frank transformed Brentford - but Andrews has shown his qualities in a highly impressive start to his first managerial post.

Pundits Michael Carrick and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland

• Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

• Man Utd 4-2 Brighton

Brentford manager Keith Andrews speaking to BBC Match of the Day after beating Liverpool 3-2: "Once we got a grip of the game after 10-15 mins we were excellent."

On the character his side showed: "It was in an abundance. We had to show it. We knew it would be a difficult game so we're really, really pleased with how we showed our personality and character and the resilience in the group.

"It's twice in a row we havve had a disappointment just before half-time [conceding] but how we started in the second half was excellent

"Our home record has been really good. The way we approach games we're growing in confidence. We're heading in the right direction and to win against the Premier League champions makes it a pretty special evening."

Bees forward Kevin Schade also spoke to BBC Match of the Day: "It was hard. It is very hard against Liverpool every time, but we know especially at home that we can hurt them like every team and that's what we did.

"I think if we get the basics right we can beat anyone. Obviously they are the better team in general, but we knew we can hurt them and that's what we did."

On his goal and whether it's his biggest moment in football: "Damzy [Mikkel Damsgaard] and me, we have a special connection. I know he can pass like this so I just go deep and he can do the nice passes.

"In general I think the biggest part of my career right now is to be healthy and play games and play 90 every time."

Did you know?

• Brentford have scored eight Premier League goals from throw-ins since the start of last season, more than twice as many as any other side.

• The Bees have won 33% of their games against the reigning Premier League champions, among teams to play more than two seasons in the competition, only Manchester United (44%), Liverpool (39%) and Manchester City (38%) have better win percentage against these sides.

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?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Brentford make no changes from Monday and the team that beat West Ham.

Brentford XI: Kelleher; Ajer, Van den Berg, Collins, Kayode; Henderson, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago, Ouattara.

Subs: Valdimarsson, Henry, Pinnock, Jensen, Nelson, Carvalho, Onyeka, Lewis-Potter, Janelt

Liverpool make three changes to the side that saw off Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday as Mohamed Salah returns to the starting line-up.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak haven't made the bench as youngster Kieran Morrison gets a seat.

Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Jones, Wirtz; Gakpo, Ekitike, Salah

Subs: Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Robertson, Ngumoha, Nyoni, Morrison

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

• Chelsea v Sunderland (15:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Newcastle v Fulham (15:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Man Utd v Brighton (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brentford v Liverpool (20:00)

Kick-offs 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Sunderland" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Fulham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Liverpool will probably be without Alexander Isak after he was injured against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.

It feels like what has happened to him is a case of you reap what you sow. Isak has been short of full fitness and especially sharpness all season anyway, and he did not help himself there by missing training with Newcastle in order to try to force his move to Anfield through.

He got what he wanted, but now he is trying to play catch-up instead of hitting the ground running because of the time he had off, and that is when you can pick up injuries.

Isak is too good a player not to eventually start scoring goals but this whole situation has affected Liverpool as a team too, because his lack of fitness is one of the reasons they have not clicked in the final third yet.

They scored a few goals against Frankfurt on Wednesday but this is going to be much harder for them.

Brentford were more dominant on the ball when they beat West Ham on Monday but you know how Bees boss Keith Andrews will set up his team for this game - they will sit and then counter, and they are good at it.

Liverpool's attack will click at some point, but I don't think it will happen here, and their vulnerability to direct balls in behind their defence means I don't see them keeping a clean sheet either.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Inconsistent Brentford host Liverpool on Saturday, with the visitors vying to get their Premier League campaign back on track.

Liverpool's comfortable win in Frankfurt on Wednesday ended a run of four straight defeats in all competitions.

The Reds put five past the Bundesliga outfit and did so without Mohamed Salah, who was relegated to the bench in Germany.

Head coach Arne Slot instead opted to start with Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak as a front two for the first time. The gamble certainly paid off. However, the Swede failed to emerge for the second half and Slot later confirmed that the £125m striker had suffered a groin problem.

Isak's injury, coupled with another for right-sided player Jeremie Frimpong, all but confirms a return for Salah this weekend - but his numbers across all competitions in 2025-26 show a stark drop-off from the previous campaign.

Salah is enduring arguably the toughest period of his career in England to date, excluding his unsuccessful and brief spell at Chelsea more than 10 years ago.

However, this weekend's opposition have proven favourable for the 33-year old - he has registered six goals and one assist in seven previous Premier League meetings against the Bees. His manager is also backing him to return to scoring ways.

"We're not used to him missing chances, let alone in a few games in a row, but these things happen," said Arne Slot in his pre-match press conference. "The last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again because that's what he done his whole life and that's what I expect him to do again."

Brentford have no obvious selection issues and after a dominant display at West Ham on Monday their starting XI, barring injuries, will likely pick itself.

Igor Thiago has emerged as one of the Premier League's form strikers and his goal against the Hammers took his total to five in the top flight this season, only behind runaway leader Erling Haaland, who has 11, and Antoine Semenyo, with six.

Marauding full-back Michael Kayode created seven chances at London Stadium - the joint-most of any Premier League player this season - while ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson again proved to be a key cog in the machine.

The 35-year-old contributed an assist against both Chelsea and Manchester United and was recently labelled a Liverpool "legend" by his friend and former colleague Andy Robertson.

Henderson is one of four ex-Liverpool players in the Brentford squad and he is set to make his 440th Premier League appearance on Saturday, moving him one behind the league's all-time top scorer Alan Shearer. Of current top-flight players, only another of his former team-mates James Milner has featured more in the division.

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• There are no fresh injury concerns. Aaron Hickey "won't make this weekend" but should be back in training next week after recovering from a knee injury picked up while on international duty with Scotland.

• Paris Maghoma and Gustavo Nunes are both in contention though, after featuring in the Brentford B team's 6-1 victory over Luton Town on Tuesday.

• Andrews has "enjoyed watching" Nunes' recent performances, adding: "He is building. I've been at both games and when he came on against QPR, he had those glimpses. We need to keep nudging him in the direction we need him to go because there's certainly a very good player there."

• On Josh Dasilva signing a new contract with the club, he said: "I'm really happy we were able to sign him to a new contract because he is a big part of this football club and he has been very helpful to me during this transition period. He also stood out to me last season in terms of set pieces."

• Arne Slot's team "doesn't have the rhythm it once did" but Liverpool have "world-class players" and the ability to be "absolutely lethal" in certain moments.

• When asked if he has a game plan ready, he replied: "We will have to manage the game. We are well aware of the strengths they have. We will see what their teamsheet brings tomorrow evening. We will be prepared for it and we are really looking forward to it."

• He is aware that Liverpool enjoy tweaking their system and has briefed his players on it: "We will see who starts the game and that will give us an indication as to which way they will go in possession."

• It is "nice to have options" at left-back, but it is leaving the Brentford boss with a bit of a conundrum. He explained: "It was a tough call to not play Rico [Henry] against West Ham, but [Kristoffer] Ajer played very well against Manchester City and deserved to keep his place. He played well again against West Ham. If people play well, they will stay in the team."

• On Yehor Yarmoliuk's "outstanding performances" this season, he said: "This is his first real season as a starter and he has grasped that opportunity. He has grown in stature, grown the personality that he is playing with, grown his understanding of the game, and grown within the group."

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

Image source, Brentford

Brentford midfielder Josh Dasilva says he "can't thank the club enough" for giving him a new contract until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old has had an injury-plagued two years, undergoing three operations since sustaining a significant knee injury in February 2024.

Dasilva's contract expired in the summer but he has remained at the club to complete his rehabilitation and now hopes to return after the November international break.

"It's been a long journey, but I can't thank the club enough for giving me this opportunity," Dasilva said. "I don't know how many clubs would have given a player this opportunity to carry on.

"It's been hard, but I'm very thankful for it, and I just can't wait to be out there enjoying my football with the boys and putting on the shirt again.

"I did my ACL, MCL and meniscus in early February 2024, and then I had to have another operation six months later, and then another operation eight months later. This is why it's been a minute since I've been on the pitch.

"Right now, I'm just doing rehab outside, doing ball work and running. I've been doing that for quite a few weeks now, so hopefully, within the next month or so, I can start training with the team.

"I try not to look too far ahead because I've got today and tomorrow to focus on. I'm just taking every milestone as it comes."

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews added: "I've been keen to get this done and had discussions with Phil Giles around it, stressing the importance of Josh to the group.

"He's someone that I've involved a lot around the next chapter of where we're going with the club and the steps we need to make.

"Josh is someone who really understands Brentford Football Club and he's a really intelligent young man who cares about the club - I don't think we should forget that.

"But, ultimately, we want to get him back on the grass because, if we get him back to the level he was at, he's going to be a major asset for us."