Will Grigg has returned to the Bees after a week away on international duty with Northern Ireland and his manager, Uwe Rosler, is delighted to have his striker fit and back in full training. Grigg, who missed the win over former club Walsall with a hamstring injury, and looked off the pace against Carlisle United before heading off for games against Portugal and Luxembourg [where he played the final ten minutes], will be looking to get back to goal-scoring ways this weekend at Prenton Park.
Rosler, speaking to Beesotted Thursday lunchtime, is pleased to have more attacking options at his disposal for the match at improving Tranmere – Marcello Trotta, Farid El Alagui, Clayton Donaldson and Will Grigg are all competing for a starting place. Rosler told us; “Farid is in good form at the moment, while Marcello gives me very different options. We are creating a lot of chances, and although I’m looking to my front men to be scoring more from those, I am also expected extra goals to be contributed from my midfielders too.”
Brentford fans on @beesotted Twitter have highlighted that there has been what could be described as ‘a case of déjà vu’ about The Bees so far this season – with a lot of chances being created in most games, but not enough finding the back of the net – something which ultimately cost us promotion last season. Like the supporters, Uwe is hoping the arrival of Liverpool’s Joao Carlos Teixeira will help resolve this.
The Bees gaffer confidently said of Teixeira “He’s a quality player who makes things happen… He can play cutting in from out wide, in an attacking midfield role, or as a striker. We are fortunate to have the contacts to have brought him to Brentford, he’s a special player, one who is able to produce the kind of magic that is required if teams put eleven men behind the ball when they play us.”
It has been clear that the ever-impressive Adam Forshaw has been told to shoot from advanced positions more often this campaign – so it’ll be interesting to see what the promising Portugal youth international adds to a creative mix that could also contain Saunders, Saville, Reeves, Dallas and Fillo.
But, after leaking four at the other end of the pitch at Bradford last Saturday, Bees fans are more (not Moore) concerned with the goal-keeping situation, especially as David Button is suspended for the next three matches. However, Richard Lee’s slow return to full fitness could be almost perfectly timed. Lee, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for months, is back in full contention for the trip to Merseyside, alongside Jack Bonham and Liam O’Brien. I must admit, it would be great to see the return of the Richard Lee… new hair transplant and all. Whether he’s fit enough for action this weekend though, only time will tell.
On the topic of goalkeepers, Uwe was rightfully quick to defend Jack Bonham, whose confidence must have been rocked by the games against Derby County and Bradford City recently. Rosler said that; “We must remember that Bonham is only 19 years of age – he remains part of my plans now, and will do into the future.”
Tranmere, who have just the single win under their belts this season, will be hoping to build upon last weekend’s draw with Stevenage, but despite not firing on all cylinders since the win over Sheffield United, Brentford should prove more than a match and the Bees will be heading northward with their sights firmly set on a three point haul.
Dave Lane