What will Brentford's starting line-up be against Crystal Palace?
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Under the management of Thomas Frank, Brentford come into this weekend’s London derby against Crystal Palace on the back of a 1-1 draw with then league leaders Arsenal in their most recent outing, last weekend.
The Bees are challenging for a top seven finish and potential European qualification after an impressive run of form brought about by their tactical flexibility, both in terms of style of play and their system used. They have switched between a 4-3-3 and a 3-4-2-1 system throughout their spell in the Premier League. For this match, at home against struggling opposition, a more attacking 4-3-3 system is likely to be deployed.
In defence, Mads Roerslev has displaced Aaron Hickey at right-back with the young Dane’s throw-in ability proving a key weapon for a physical side. Alongside Roerslev in defence is expected to be Ethan Pinnock and Ben Mee with Kristoffer Ajer, who started last weekend, likely to miss out.
However, Ajer does have the ability to play at right-back, too, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the former Celtic defender start ahead of Roerslev. Rico Henry, who is a key attacking threat for the west London club, should start on the left-hand side of the defence. Pontus Jansson is out injured.
The midfield more or less picks itself with their current form and the balance they offer. Vitaly Janelt should start alongside Danish duo Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen in a hard-working but technically excellent midfield.
That said, Josh Dasilva has been excellent this season, after a horrible injury lay-off in the previous campaign. If he is to start, it is likely he would come in to replace Janelt as the most advanced midfielder in the three. Frank Onyeka is unavailable due to injury.
The attack is and has been a difficult selection for Frank throughout the campaign, with summer signings Mikkel Damsgaard and Keane Lewis-Potter struggling for minutes, despite showing impressive form before moving to the club. Both players have been kept out by the impressive Bryan Mbeumo, who ably supports Ivan Toney and those two are penned in for every line-up if they are available.
The third spot in a 4-3-3 system could be open and up for grabs so both Damsgaard and Lewis-Potter will be hopeful of earning rare starts. However, Yoane Wissa often if not always delivers when called upon so he will also be an option.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Raya; Rasmussen, Pinnock, Mee, Henry; Janelt, Norgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa
UNAVAILABLE: Strakosha (Injured), Jansson (Fitness), Onyeka (Fitness)
QUESTIONABLE:
