The Fosse Way’s Hazzetta season preview - 2: Bournemouth and Brentford
The Fosse Way’s away day correspondent, Harry Gregory, drags his Premier League season preview onto the B’s, featuring Bournemouth, Brentford, beaches and betting.
A quick reminder that each club is judged based on its away day experience as a visiting fan, the potential for a meltdown from the stands, likelihood of a points deduction, and the player most likely to score against the Foxes.
We’ve also got access to a secret algorithm to predict their expected relegation chance (xR) and finishing position.
Bournemouth
Last season: 12th.
Fixtures v Leicester: Home - 5th October / Away – 26th May
Our FA Cup victims of last season. They found out about Abdul Fatawu when he scored a brilliant extra-time goal, which largely went under the radar of the footballing public.
Bournemouth made significant strides last season in evolving into a rather more attractive prospect. Last season was the most successful in the club’s history. Equally, however, they are the kind of opposition which Leicester can claim points from. (Is now a good time to mention Leicester have beaten Bournemouth twice in 12 Premier League attempts? - Ed.)
Away day scope
One of the difficulties with a visit to Dean Court is that it’s actually in Boscombe and it’s a long walk into Bournemouth town centre. The immediacy of places to visit pre-match is quite dire.
However! On my last visit, we headed towards Pokesdown and Southbourne. A load more options for a drink and lunch. Of course, in late May, perfect time to chill on the beach.
Opposition meltdown?
One of the few clubs where the fans are impressed with their owner. Bill Foley breaks the mould of an American owner by appearing to be quite aware of his club’s limitations.
Bournemouth are building a new training ground, which paves the way for a stadium redevelopment and Foley has constantly cited the need for the club to grow their fanbase by making tickets more readily available.
Points deduction
Previously a big question mark – some quite significant money has been spent in the last two seasons; £132million last summer with little money coming in with £54.4 million spent in the previous January transfer window.
They are very transparent when it comes to their account submissions but there were some signs that they will need to let go of players sooner rather than later. The sale of Dominic Solanke hauled in £65million and should ease the pressure in this respect.
Likely opposition goalscorer
Tyler Adams - since his £20million move from Leeds, he’s forever been injured at Bournemouth and just had back surgery.
He’s played just four games for the Cherries, so a final day goal on his long-awaited recovery sounds about right.
xR
The dial started to wave downwards but not with conviction.
The super computer has flagged no danger of relegation and no success of an European position. Mid-table.
Brentford
Last season: 16th
Fixtures v Leicester: Home - 22nd February / Away - 30th November
There was a dalliance with a potential relegation battle last season but eventually Brentford’s form clicked at the end of March which led to just two losses in nine and safety.
This disguises what was a truly awful run from December to mid-March where the Bees took just 10 points from an available 54. A lot was said about Ivan Toney’s unavailability, yet he scored four in five upon his return then didn’t score again all season. There are some warning signs ahead of the new campaign.
Away day scope
An away day which feels more in common with Berkshire rather than London as you stroll down the Thames and wander around Chiswick. You can choose to go the Strand side for your pre-match boozers or head towards where Griffin Park was located to find some excellent options (three of the four pubs on the corner remain).
If you are in a wandering mood, head down the Thames and towards Kew Gardens to collect yourself before the inevitable storm and emotional breakdown.
Opposition meltdown?
Brentford’s supporters groups worked incredibly hard to assist the running of the club before the arrival of their owner Matthew Benham.
Their fan engagement and inclusion is one of the best in the country and ably supported by the manager Thomas Frank. Ticket prices went up but there was a full consultation process undertaken before they announced it, so a meltdown seems unlikely.
Points deduction
Brentford have done well by investing in players, preparing for the replacement and then selling the prized asset. In the last two accounting periods they have made profits and look fine with FFP.
Likely opposition goalscorer
Mathias Jorgensen, also known as Zanka, feels as though he’s played for Brentford forever by default (although he also played both games for FC Copenhagen against Leicester in the Champions League back in 2016).
He has already scored for Brentford against us and you could see it happening again from a corner.
xR
A lot depends on the Ivan Toney situation. There appear to be no takers, yet they have signed a replacement in Igor Thiago for £30m. He looks an incredible gamble given his goalscoring exploits are in Bulgaria and Belgium - and now he’s out for three to four months.
The super computer gives a 7% chance of relegation.
