Brentford were left frustrated against Arsenal in their last league outing, as the Gunners managed to cling on to a 1-1 draw despite a late push from the hosts. The Bees created the better chances, generating 1.51 xG from 12 shots, while restricting the league-leaders to just seven attempts worth 0.6 xG. It was an unlucky result, but it just goes to show how competitive Brentford have been this season.

That draw ended a two-game winning streak, but Keith Andrews’ side returned to winning ways on Monday night in the FA Cup against Macclesfield. 

Brentford rank 6th in the Premier League for total points accumulated on home turf this season, and they have lost just two of their 13 home league matches. Meanwhile, Brighton’s form is a complete contrast, and they come into this clash having lost three successive matches across all competitions.

Looking at the bigger picture, Brighton have failed to win any of their last six matches across all competitions, which has seen them slip down to 14th in the Premier League standings. The situation is looking dire for the Seagulls, and they haven’t shown any signs of mounting a recovery. 

Fabian Hurzeler’s men haven’t been able to exert anywhere near as much control on games as they would have liked, and because of that, their matches often tend to be chaotic. Brighton exceeded this line on their own against Liverpool last time out by picking up four bookings.

Their disciplinary record on the road has been poor this season, with Brighton averaging 2.94 cards per game on their travels this season. That figure rises to 3.31 in Premier League away fixtures specifically. Jarred Gillett is the designated referee for this clash, and he will likely be kept busy.

Jan Paul Van Hecke shook off any injury concerns to feature against Liverpool last time out, and the Dutchman looks set to start at the back here against Brentford.

That means he will find duels against Igor Thiago, who is averaging 1.93 fouls per 90 this season across all competitions. In addition to his goalscoring exploits, the Brazilian international also has a commendable work rate, and he always looks to make life hard for his opposing centre backs. 

He was on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture against Brighton, while he also recorded two fouls. Jan Paul Van Hecke was fouled twice in that match, and once again, that is a matchup to keep an eye on. 

The centre back is averaging 1.35 fouls drawn per 90 this season, and has landed this selection in 12 out of 15 starts on the road.

Igor Thiago found plenty of success in the final third against Brighton - he opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 29 minutes, before he then got his head on a set-piece, but somehow nodded over from close range. The Brazilian was given a golden chance to level the score in stoppage time, but his spot kick was saved by Bart Verbruggen. 

Igor Thiago should be determined here to atone for his mistakes at the Amex, especially considering how poor Brighton have been in recent weeks. The 24-year-old has scored 17 league goals this season, and nine of those have come at the Gtech Community Stadium. 

Brentford play with a lot more attacking intent in front of a home crowd, which benefits Igor Thiago. He recorded a total of six shots against Arsenal in his last home outing, with two of those hitting the target, and this should be a much better matchup for him.