Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Brentford to the Amex on Sunday.

Roundtables Bees correspondent Rian Mullarley gives his verdict on their impressive start, key players, and the challenge awaiting both sides.

After a demanding week of European and domestic football, Brighton return to the Amex Stadium on Sunday looking to maintain their impressive start to the Premier League campaign.

However, standing in their way is a Brentford side that has quietly established itself among the division’s early frontrunners.

With just one defeat in nine league matches, Keith Andrews’ men have proved particularly difficult to overcome, despite drawing more than half their fixtures.

The visitors also possess a counterattacking threat that could cause problems for Fabian Hürzeler’s aggressive defensive system.

Ahead of the clash, we spoke to Rian to get the opposition perspective on Sunday’s encounter.

How Would You Assess Brentford’s Start?

‘Definitely a positive one so far.

I think, to some extent, it feels a little more underwhelming than it perhaps should be because we’ve drawn five of our nine games. 

However, if you’d offered any Brentford fan sixth place at this stage back in August, everyone would have taken it.

Also worth adding that whilst we have drawn many games, we’ve crucially only lost one, and that was a game against Liverpool in which we were leading prior to a red card.

Overall, very happy with where we are.

Would be great to turn some of those draws into wins, but also nice to see we’ve made ourselves a team very hard to beat!’

It’s difficult not to be impressed by Brentford’s resilience this season. 

Five draws might be frustrating for supporters, but losing just once in nine matches highlights how difficult they’ve become to beat under Keith Andrews. 

For Brighton, this could be a test of patience, particularly if the visitors remain organised and limit opportunities early on.

Who Has Been Brentford’s Standout Player?

‘So far it would have to be Vitaly Janelt who is one of the very first names on the team sheet at the moment.

He had started to fade into a rotation player at the end of Thomas Frank’s spell with the club but has been completely revitalised under Keith Andrews.

He was superb last season, and it was his injury, ironically picked up in our 2-0 defeat to Brighton in February, that probably cost us European football last season.

He currently has the second-most defensive contributions of any player in the Premier League this season, whilst also getting on the scoresheet in the 3-0 wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.’

Janelt’s resurgence is certainly worth keeping an eye on. 

While Brentford’s forwards often receive the most attention, his influence in midfield could be just as important on Sunday.

With Brighton looking to control possession, the battle between the German and Albion’s creative midfielders could have a significant impact on the outcome.

What Would You Say Is Brentford’s Biggest Strength And Biggest Weakness?

‘The biggest strength would be in transition going forward and counterattacking.

The pace at which the team is able to move from back to front at times is very exciting, with goals such as Kevin Schade against Chelsea and Igor Thiago against Nottingham Forest, for example.

Weakness would have to be holding onto leads.

Eleven points dropped from winning positions this season is the most in the Premier League so far, and that seems to be a stat we’re always towards the top of the table for.

We’re guilty sometimes of sitting too deep on leads rather than killing games off when on top.’

This could be the most important tactical aspect of the entire match. 

Brighton’s high defensive line has produced some excellent results, but it can leave space for quick attackers to exploit. 

Brentford’s pace on the counterattack makes them particularly dangerous, although their tendency to surrender leads suggests Albion should remain confident even if they fall behind.

How Are Brighton Viewed From A Brentford Perspective?

‘I can imagine views vary due to whether or not people care a lot about the Bloom versus Benham feud.

Personally, I view Brighton with a lot of admiration.

An incredibly well-run club, in my opinion, and consistently capable of defying the odds to compete properly at the highest level without spending stupid money, whilst also playing a respectable brand of football.

I’ve been very impressed whenever I’ve watched them this season and have no doubt this will be our toughest test of the season so far.’

It’s encouraging to hear such positive comments from an opposition supporter, particularly given the history between Tony Bloom and Matthew Benham. 

Both clubs have built reputations for intelligent recruitment and competing against teams with considerably greater financial resources. 

Sunday’s fixture is another reminder of how far both have progressed.

What Can Brighton Expect From Brentford On Sunday?

‘Likely a physical, combative game.

Brentford won’t come to park the bus however they will probably be relatively okay with Brighton having more of the ball.

Any chance of a positive result will likely be built upon a solid defensive foundation, with a view to hitting Brighton on the break and getting our pacey forwards in behind the back line.’’

Rian’s assessment suggests Brighton will need to be patient in possession without becoming predictable. 

The Seagulls have shown they can create opportunities against organised defences, but maintaining their defensive structure will be equally important. 

Allowing Brentford too much space in transition could make this a much more difficult afternoon.

What’s Your Score Prediction?

‘Unfortunately, it has all the feel of a relatively boring 2-0 defeat for us.

I don’t really see us getting battered at all and expect a hard-fought contest, but one where we’ll probably be edged out.

As mentioned earlier, we do draw a lot of games, so who knows?

Maybe I could be more optimistic and say 2-2. I doubt many would be unhappy with a point on the road.’

It’s interesting that Rian expects Brighton to come out on top despite Brentford’s impressive start. 

A comfortable victory seems unlikely given how rarely the Bees have lost this season, but Albion’s home advantage and attacking quality should give supporters confidence. 

A narrow win would represent another valuable result as Hürzeler’s side look to maintain their momentum.

Can Brighton overcome this Brentford Side?

Rian’s answers highlight why Sunday’s fixture could prove more difficult than the league positions alone might suggest.

Although the Bees have drawn five of their opening nine matches, losing just once demonstrates the resilience Andrews has developed within his squad.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect is their counterattacking threat.

Brighton’s willingness to push defenders high up the pitch has contributed to some excellent attacking performances this season, but it also creates opportunities for opponents capable of moving the ball forward quickly.

However, Brentford’s difficulty protecting leads offers Albion encouragement.

Having dropped 11 points from winning positions, the West London side have occasionally struggled to maintain control after taking the advantage.

For the Seagulls, patience could be crucial.

Following Thursday’s European trip to Getafe, squad management could also influence the hosts’ performance.

Nevertheless, Brighton’s impressive home form should give supporters confidence.

The visitors have established themselves as one of the Premier League’s hardest teams to beat.

Sunday will reveal whether Albion can find a way past them.