Can ‘Nice' Bees Sting If Things Go Wrong?

Brentford are a fantastic footballing side, who are capable of blowing opponents away at their rampant best.

- Adam Virgo

Just ask Wycombe, demolished 7-2 in January, or Middlesbrough, who suffered a 4-1 reverse at the Riverside soon after.

But their run of three wins from eight matches pre-weekend that has jeopardised their push for automatic promotion has exposed - once again some systemic issues.

The first is squad depth. When you look at Brentford’s squad, they’ve got a good starting XI. But I don’t really see anyone to plug the gaps.

You take 27-goal Ivan Toney out of that side, who comes in? And where would they be without him?

Yes, you could say the same of any team with a prolific goalscorer. Teemu Pukki is responsible for a similar percentage of Norwich’s goals. But the Canaries also have Emi Buendia in double figures and top-class back-up in Jordan Hugill. The Finn would be missed far less.