Brentford fan Mike Johnston is backing his side to claim their first Premier League away win of the season at Brighton's Amex Stadium this weekend. Johnston, who gave his preview to BBC Sport, said he has a positive feeling about the fixture despite a recent setback. The Bees, currently sixth in the Premier League with 14 points from nine games, are ten points behind leaders Arsenal. They head into the game on the back of a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest last Saturday, with goals coming from an own goal and Igor Thiago. Their recent form, however, has been mixed, with one win, two draws, and two losses from their last five matches, a sequence that includes a 3-2 defeat at Sunderland and a 1-1 draw at Hull City.
He admitted to a strange sense of foreboding before the recent home defeat to Nottingham Forest, but believes the team will get a result on the south coast. The Bees head into the game sitting sixth in the Premier League with 14 points from nine matches, a solid platform for their trip to face the third-placed Seagulls.
Benham's connection
The match holds particular significance for Brentford owner Matthew Benham, a former colleague of Brighton owner Tony Bloom. This personal link adds an extra layer of narrative to a fixture where Brentford are still seeking their first league win at the Amex.
Team news and focus
Manager Keith Andrews prepares his side to face a Brighton team claiming impressive attacking statistics. The hosts lead the league in goals scored, expected goals generated, and goals from both set-pieces and fast breaks. They also have the most clean sheets, presenting a formidable challenge.
Johnston highlighted the strength in depth available to Brighton from the bench and pinpointed centre-half Luka Vuskovic as a key threat, describing the defender as looking like a bargain. Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who scored in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, will have a demanding task marking him. Thiago is the club's joint-top scorer this season with three goals, alongside Kevin Schade, who also has three goals in nine appearances. The team's overall record this season shows 16 goals scored and nine conceded.
Brentford's recent form shows one win, two draws, and two losses from their last five outings. They will be looking to improve on a 2-0 defeat in the last meeting with Brighton in February. Johnston confirmed he will be in attendance at the Amex regardless of the outcome. The full fixtures list shows the game is scheduled for Sunday, 8 November.
More detail at bbc.co.uk
