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Beesotted contributors The Gowler and Paul Kowalczyk (@BeesBreakdown) give us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s loss at Turf Moor.

Thomas Frank stuck with the same 3-5-2 formation that he has used in the past 10 matches. A bit surprising to not switch to a 4-3-3 against a team in the relegation zone, but first choice right winger, Bryan Mbeumo, was still working his way back to full fitness. The Bees unchanged backline consisted of Collins, Ajer, and Zanka. Roerslev joined by Reguilon coming back into the starting XI after a minor knock. Jensen, Janelt, and Onyeka made up the midfield trio with Nørgaard the latest victim of the injury crisis. Wissa and Toney the dangerous strikers up top with a combined 12 goal contributions on the season.

Vincent Kompany’s Burnley side came out in a 4-4-2 with Assignon, O’Shea, Esteve, and Taylor along the backline. Cullen and Berge the central midfielders with Vitinho and Larsen the right and left midfielders. Fofana and Odobert were the young forwards looking to test Brentford’s backline. Kompany benched his starting keeper, Trafford, and chose to give Muric his first Premier League start.

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Summary

Burnley created 2.77 xG, which is actually low considering Brentford were a man down most of the match. Brentford managed to create 1.16 xG, but 0.98 of this was from set plays and only 0.16 was from open play.

Brentford had to drastically change their tactics for this match, opting for a direct style of play without much pressing. The Bees did well to adjust, but always had a difficult task to overcome.

Burnley still struggled to break down a low block even with an extra man and Wissa was crucial to this. Wissa drifted back into Brentford’s own box to make vital interceptions and spring Brentford’s counter attack.

One bright spot was Mbeumo’s return, ending with 2 shot creating actions and helping create Brentford’s goal. The international break should give Brentford time to get some players back from injury, such as Pinnock, and hopefully Nørgaard.