Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler says he is “not a fan” of Brentford's poor away form as the Bees look to extend his side's unbeaten run to six games.
Thomas Frank on Friday (7.30pm 7.30 GMT) Thomas Frank's worst Premier League record in 2024/25.
Regarding Brentford's away results, Hurzeler said: “They are not guaranteed to win this game. “We see this as an opportunity to escape from bad experiences.
“We have to play harder and give the fans a gift. Progress takes time, especially for this young team. That's why we need to be patient with them.”
Great to see Joel out there. 👊🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/dDI9dRlnJ6
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 23 2024
Brighton results: Hurzeler 'takes charge'
Albion were without a win for the third time in five games to draw 1-1 at West Ham on Saturday and had a succession of chances.
A 3-1 defeat by Crystal Palace on December 15 was part of a run of one win in their last five home games in all competitions.
“We have experts for forwards, experts for defense,” Hurzeler said. “We are trying to improve the players with every training session.
“I take responsibility for the bad results. It is my responsibility to help the players get out of this situation. I see it as a privilege to work during the Christmas (period).”
Your first score #PL The goal feels so good… 🤩 pic.twitter.com/zHAT5euV9p
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 22 2024
Brighton vs Brentford: Visitors 'strong'
Centre-back Adam Webster or winger Sole Mat could return from injury on the bench against their 12th-placed rivals, with Hazell hoping London midfielder Mats Wieffer will not be troubled by an injury that came off in the second half.
Hurzeler described Jan Paul van Hecke as a “hero” after the centre-back played with a bandage on his head following a painful aerial challenge.
Brantford suffered their first home defeat on Saturday, going down 2-0 to fourth-placed Nottingham Forest. “They're really intense,” Hurzeler said.
“They focus on things they can influence…they really pay attention to the little details. When we go up against the big teams, they play with five backs, so let's see if they will meet us or come with four backs.
“They are very flexible; A very good coach and a strong team that showed great development (under the Frenchman). It's a big challenge for us.”