Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 26.
Ben Mee & David Raya (BRE)
Brentford are unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches, a remarkable run that stretches all the way back to 23 October.
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It is a record they are looking to continue when they host Fulham in a west London derby.
The source of this run during this period has been the superb defending of Thomas Frank’s side.
Despite facing Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Arsenal, Brentford have conceded more than one goal in only two of those 11 fixtures.
Well organised and resolute, they are awkward opponents for anyone, but Mee in the centre of defence and goalkeeper Raya have been especially outstanding.
An outstanding acquisition
Mee only started 21 Premier League matches for Burnley last season, falling out of favour as the Clarets were relegated.
He was available on a free transfer last summer and was snapped up by Frank, who immediately showed faith in him. The 33-year-old has repaid that trust with a hugely impressive campaign.
Whether he is operating on the left of a central-defensive pair, or as part of a back three, Mee has been a consistently sound performer.
Mee's defensive stats 22/23
| Statistic | Ben Mee | PL rank |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial duels won | 84 | 1st |
| Blocks | 27 | 2nd |
| Headed shots | 11 | 4th |
| Interceptions | 32 | 6th |
No top-flight defender has won more aerial duels than Mee, who is 12 ahead of the next-closest player, his former Burnley defensive partner James Tarkowski, now at Everton.
As shown in the table above, Mee has used his defensive acumen wisely, stepping forward to make a string of decisive interceptions throughout this season.
Going forward, Mee has been a major threat inside the opposition box too.
He has scored three times, in home matches against Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton. So Marco Silva's Fulham will need to shackle Mee closely at dead-ball situations.
Mee's goal v Southampton
𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚 (n) a strong wish to have or do something
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) February 4, 2023
See: @ben6mee getting on the end of this cross@safetyculturehq pic.twitter.com/pm9eL81pIk
Reliable Raya
This derby encounter should see plenty of goalmouth action.
Raya and his Fulham counterpart Bernd Leno have made more saves than any other Premier League goalkeepers this term, with 100 and 93 respectively.
Raya’s save percentage is up there among the best in the division, and he has also prevented 3.3 additional goals, according to Opta.
Raya's goalkeeping stats 22/23
| Save % | Goals prevented | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrizabalaga | 79.3% | Alisson | 9.1 |
| Pope | 78.2% | Leno | 7.1 |
| Raya | 76.9% | Arrizabalaga | 6.0 |
| Leno | 76.0% | Neto | 4.1 |
| Neto | 73.0% | Raya | 3.3 |
Raya is likely to be tested by a high-flying Fulham team, who also have the benefit of Aleksandar Mitrovic being fit and available for selection.
Pleasingly for Brentford their No 1 is one of the most decisive 'keepers in the division when it comes to dealing with crosses.
Raya has made 37 catches this season, the joint highest alongside Emiliano Martinez.
In the form of Raya and Mee, there is no doubt the Bees have dependable players who are suited to coping with Mitrovic's aerial threat.
The battle between Mee and Mitrovic will be full-blooded and great to watch.
Also in this series
Part 1: Selles' hostile Saints ready to tackle relegation rivals Leicester
Part 2: Why are Newcastle struggling for goals?
Part 3: How Martinez has added steel to Man Utd's defence
