Boutnemouth were my relegation candidate already before the season start, but some lucky results in the early season still have them narrowly above relegation zone, but in the performance data they are the worst team so far, and actually by a clear margin.
The return from the long break is showing their true class with 3 losses without scoring a goal, and class-wise the Brentford side today are more or less equal with Chelsea, Palace and United.
There are also several injuries at the already weak Bournemouth side, and it is hard to see any other result here than another clear loss by 2 or 3 goals. Below the latest results with xG-numbers.
The Injury situation at Brentford on the other hand is getting better day by day, and the most important piece of news is that Toney is fit to play as he is shiniest start and most likely to score.
I have discussed Brentford several times, and I am happy to see that they have been as good as expected.
With a win here they might overtake both Liverpool and Brighton in the actual table (ok, they have a mutual game today), and performance data confirms that they are one of the very even bunch of good teams just behind Arsenal and Man City.
How has their return from break gone? Brilliantly! They are the best coached team in the league with an eye to detail where it matters, the exploit all the space on the pitch and they take good use of set pieces, and the break has done them all good! A look below:
Winning City and Liverpool, and dominating the performance in all games, even away at City! They are still the best kept secret in European football and remind me of Atalanta a few years back, people would not believe such a small club would be this good but they are.
3-0
