Thomas Frank confident to keep Brentford out of trouble ahead of Brighton clash | News Today

The Bees travel to the South Coast in 12th place in the table after 16 games of their first Premier League campaign, having lost just one of their last five league games before a Carabao Cup exit to Chelsea in the middle of the week.

With Manchester City at home ahead of trips to Aston Villa and Liverpool, manager Frank is confident his side can maintain their gap to the drop zone – which currently stands at nine points.

“I am very happy,” said Frank. “I would say from the Everton game to the Chelsea game all five performances were very good.

“We have been very strong defensively, giving the opponents very limited chances and trying to build more on the offensive end. I’m happy, we are in a good position and we would like to continue.”

Brighton condemned Brentford to their first Premier League loss when they clinched a 1-0 victory with a Leandro Trossard goal in added time when the two sides last met in September. Frank expects another close competition at Amex Stadium this time around.

He said: “It was a completely even game, but if there was to be a small winner it should have been us.

“They just showed a little quality and class at the last minute with Trossard. On our side, especially in the first half, I was very happy.

“It will be two teams that try to get the ball. The team that shows quality in the crucial moments will win the game and I hope it will be us.”

The two teams are currently tied on points with Brentford just one place ahead thanks to a slightly greater goal difference.