Get ready for what should be an entertaining game between Burnley and Brentford this weekend! Both these teams like to attack and play nice soccer.

Burnley started well last game before losing to mighty Chelsea. Brentford was so close to a famous win at Man United but got beaten at the very end. We think the teams will be eager to bounce back with a win here.

With stars like Toney and Barnes on show, there could be some great goals! Brentford's passing style versus Burnley's physical power makes an interesting matchup. This should be a tight contest between two teams aiming for a top-half finish.

Burnley vs Brentford

The match will take place on Saturday, 21st October, 2023, at Gtech Community Stadium

Burnley - Brave Clarets Crushed After Bright Start

Burnley made the perfect start when Wilson Odobert pounced to score after just 13 minutes. Turf Moor was rocking as the Clarets fans dared to dream of a famous upset. Taking a shock lead against in-form Chelsea is just what manager Vincent Kompany would've wanted from his players. 

Battling Backline Overwhelmed by Blue Waves

Despite their brave start, Burnley's makeshift defense was eventually overwhelmed by Chelsea's relentless attacks. They simply had no answer when the likes of Sterling and Palmer found top gear after the break. A few forced changes due to injuries didn't help either. But the Clarets can take heart from their gutsy early resistance.

Midfield Battle Proves Decisive

Burnley couldn't gain a foothold in midfield as classy operators like Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher stepped up for Chelsea. Without the injured Josh Cullen, the Clarets were outgunned and overrun in the engine room. Winning the central duels is so important, especially against star-studded teams, but Burnley fell short here.

Few Moments of Attacking Quality

While Burnley defended stoutly at times, they didn't provide enough attacking threat of their own. Ashley Barnes battled hard up front, but he lacked support against Chelsea's superior defense. The Clarets only managed a couple of shots in the whole game, and never really tested Kepa in the Blues goal. More quality in the attack was needed.

Reality Check for Overachieving Clarets

This defeat provided a reality check after Burnley's impressive start following promotion. The gulf between sides like Chelsea and Burnley was shown. But Kompany won't be too downcast - it's all part of the learning curve for his emerging team. The Clarets can still achieve big things this season if they replicate the fight shown early on.

Brentford - Brave Bees Stung at the Death

Brentford got off to a dream start at Old Trafford, taking a 1-0 lead through midfielder Mathias Jensen's clinical finish. A sloppy mistake from Man United allowed Brentford to counter quickly before Jensen kept his composure to fire home. Getting that precious first goal in such a daunting away fixture was the perfect tonic to set the Bees buzzing.

Toney Torments United's Wobbly Defense

Brentford's star striker Ivan Toney was a constant thorn in United's side all evening. His physicality and clever movement caused big problems for the Red Devils' unconvincing backline. Toney won numerous aerial duels and brought others into play with crisp link-up play. On another day, he could easily have added to Brentford's tally.

Midfield Maestros Pull the Strings

Anchored by the experienced Christian Norgaard, Brentford's midfield trio of Onyeka, Janelt, and Jensen controlled proceedings for long stretches. Their tidy passing and intelligent positioning allowed Brentford to subdue United's array of talents like Bruno Fernandes. Winning the midfield battle was central to the Bees' brave showing.

Defense Makes Vital Interventions

As United piled on late pressure, Brentford's rearguard put their bodies on the line with some heroic blocks and last-ditch tackles. Pontus Jansson and Ethan Pinnock made countless head clearances as the Red Devils bombarded the penalty box. Despite tiring legs, Brentford's backline stood firm until the death knocks.

McTominay the Late Goal Hero

Just when all seemed lost, super-sub Scott McTominay improbably popped up with two priceless late goals to steal victory for United. The midfielder lashed in an equalizer in the 6th minute of added time, before heading a last-gasp winner. McTominay provided pure ecstasy for United fans with his refused-to-die attitude epitomizing the Red Devils' fighting spirit.

So Close to a Famous Scalp

Brentford will be devastated to have victory snatched away in such dramatic fashion after heroically leading into added time. The Bees showed they could live with one of England's elite teams for long periods. But football can be cruel, and Brentford was denied a historic win right at the death at Old Trafford.

Predicted Lineups

Brentford predicted lineup: T. Strakosha, K. Ajer, N. Collins, E. Pinnock, S. Ghoddos, C. Norgaard, M. Jensen, V. Janelt, Mads Roerslev, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa

Burnley predicted lineup: J. Trafford, C. Taylor, Jordan Beyer, A. Al-Dakhil, C. Roberts, Josh Cullen, Sander Berge, J. Brownhill, Zeki Amdouni, L. Koleosho, Lyle Foster

Key Battles

Nathan Collins vs Ivan Toney

Burnley's tough defender Nathan Collins takes on Brentford's goal machine Ivan Toney. Collins will try to keep Toney quiet using his strength and no-nonsense defending. But Toney loves scoring goals and is always dangerous in the box. Their battle could be decisive!

Josh Cullen vs Mathias Jensen

In midfield, Burnley's tidy passer Josh Cullen is up against Brentford's Danish playmaker Mathias Jensen. Cullen keeps Burnley ticking over with smart passing and positioning. But Jensen has the vision and shooting ability to unlock defenses from deep. This midfield duel will be fascinating to watch.

Charlie Taylor vs Bryan Mbeumo

Down the wings, Burnley's marauding left-back Charlie Taylor faces off against Brentford's skilful winger Bryan Mbeumo. Taylor's overlapping runs pose an attacking threat but he must stay alert to Mbeumo's trickery. With both fullbacks supporting attacks, this flank clash could see end-to-end action.

Conclusion

With two progressive managers who emphasize attack-minded soccer, we should be in for an entertaining affair. If their key men like Toney and Barnes are in form, the goals could flow at both ends. But we believe Brentford's extra bit of class in midfield may prove the difference in a high-scoring draw.