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Beesotted contributors The Gowler and Paul Kowalczyk (@BeesBreakdown) give us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s win against Sheffield United.

Facing the worst team in the Premier League, Thomas Frank switched to a 4-3-3 for the first time since last year. The backline consisted of Roerslev, Zanka, Collins, and Reguilon with Ajer picking up a knock. Damsgaard, Janelt, and Jensen started in midfield with Yarmolyuk available off the bench. Mbeumo, Maupay, and Wissa started across the front line, as Toney continues to recover from his minor injury.

Chris Wilder’s side lined up in their 5-3-2 with Trusty, Ahmedhodzic, and Holgate the centrebacks. Larouci and Bogle were the wingbacks joining Ben Osborn, Arblaster, and Hamer in midfield. McBurnie and Ben Brereton Diaz started up top, with McAtee looking to make an impact of the bench.

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Summary

The underlying numbers don’t suggest a dominating performance, but Brentford came away with a huge 3 points in their fight for survival. According to xG, Sheffield had the biggest chance of the match, but a scuffed shot led to an easy save for Flekken.

Sheffield played directly, partly because Brentford’s press typically prevented Sheffield from building out of the back. This led to the Bees winning back possession high up the pitch and creating dangerous chances going forward.

Brentford altered their buildup off goal kicks from when they use 3 centrebacks, and seemingly to take advantage of Sheffield pressing with two forwards. The Bees also routinely threatened on set plays, accumulating two disallowed goals from set pieces.

Bees fans will be happy to see Pinnock and Schade get some action, and hope they can be fit for 90 this weekend for a trip to Kenilworth Road.