Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Herzeler has said he is “not a fan” of the statistics surrounding Brentford’s dire away form as the Bees attempt to extend his side’s winless run to six matches.

Thomas Frank has the worst record of points from eight games on the road in the Premier League in 2024/25 before Friday’s (7.30pm GMT) visit to the Amex Stadium.

“They don’t give you any guarantee to win a game,” Herzeler said of Brentford’s away results. “We see this as an opportunity to break out of this circle of bad experiences.

“We need to try to play with more intensity and gift the supporters. Improvement takes time – especially for this young team. That’s why we have to be patient with them.”

Nice to see Joel back there. 👊🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/dDI9dRlnJ6

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 23, 2024

Brighton results: Herzeller ‘responsible’

Albion took the lead but failed to win for the third time in five matches in their 1-1 draw at West Ham on Saturday, conceding a succession of chances.

Their 3–1 defeat against Crystal Palace on 15 December was part of a run of victories in their last five home matches in all competitions.

“We have specialists for strikers, specialists for defenders,” Herzeler said. “We try to improve the players with every training session.

“I am responsible for the bad results. It is my responsibility to help the players get out of this situation. I consider it a privilege to work during the Christmas (period).”

Your first score #PL Goal This looks good… 🤩 pic.twitter.com/zHAT5euV9p

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 22, 2024

Brighton v Brentford: Visitors ‘strong’

Centre-back Adam Webster or winger Solly March could return from injury on the bench against their 12th-placed opponents, while Herzler hopes midfielder Mats Wiefer will not be troubled by an injury that saw him substitute during the second half at the London Stadium.

The centre-back played much of the match with a bandage on his head following a painful aerial challenge after Herzeller described Jan Paul van Heeke as a “warrior”.

Brentford suffered their first home defeat of the season on Saturday, going down 2-0 to fourth-placed Nottingham Forest. “They’re really intense,” Herzeler said.

“They focus on the things they can influence… they really pay attention to the little details. Against big teams, they play with a back five, so let’s see if it comes against us or with a back four.

“They are very flexible – a strong team with a very good coach, who have shown great development (under Frank). It is a big challenge for us.”