Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces a significant injury crisis after three key first-team players were absent from training on Tuesday morning, including talisman Joao Pedro. The Blues are currently preparing for a vital west London derby against Brentford as they look to bounce back from a disappointing draw last time out.
Keith Andrews has outlined Brentford's ambition to mount a serious challenge for the Carabao Cup following a 2-1 victory over Reading. First-half goals from Callum Wilson and Fabio Carvalho secured passage into the fourth round, with the manager insisting his side possess the quality and determination to target major silverware this season.
Marco Rose praised his Bournemouth side's fighting spirit despite setting an unwanted Premier League record in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Brentford at the Vitality Stadium. After Marcus Tavernier overturned Kevin Schade's opener, a costly goalkeeping error allowed the Bees to level and extend the Cherries' frustrating wait for a first league win.
Keith Andrews has done a fine job at Brentford, in his first head coaching post, and former Bees striker Clinton Morrison has told GOAL that “a lot of other clubs higher up” will soon be “sniffing around” the 45-year-old Irishman. His present lies in west London, with a big job to oversee there, but tempting offers from afar are expected to be tabled in the near future.
Thomas Frank impressed many Premier League observers at Brentford, but then suffered a 38-game flop as head coach of Tottenham. He has been out of work since severing ties with Spurs, but Clinton Morrison has explained to GOAL why the Danish tactician’s reputation has not been tarnished. He is expected to return to the dugout at some point in the not too distant future.
Silsden AFC
