OPPOSITION VIEW: BRENTFORD

With Sunderland returning to the Stadium of Light on Saturday we spoke to Lewis 'Sherlock' Holmes, writer and podcaster for Beesotted Brentford. We discussed the Bees' start to the season, an interesting transfer window which has seen them lose some key players (and their manager), and Jordan Henderson's emotional return to Wearside. Plus, Sherlock gave us his pre-match predictions and how he thinks the season will pan out for both sides...

So, two games into the season and you've got one win and one defeat. How would you describe the start to your campaign?

Mixed. I’m one of the most positive Brentford fans going but even I had my head in my hands after 45 minutes against Forest. We looked half-baked and disjointed, a team of strangers. Of course, with four starters missing (including the last minute departure of new father Mikkel Damsgaard) there’s a bit of mitigation, and we looked a lot more assured against Villa.

One of the earliest transfer stories this summer was Bryan Mbeumo to Man United, has he been a big loss?

I think everybody expected Bryan would be on his bike this summer and we’re used to replacing big names seamlessly. There was certainly a hole at right wing in pre-season and on opening day, but it looks like Dango Ouattara is going to slot in very well.

Speaking of transfers, do you think Wissa will sign for the dirty Mags? Will you be sad to see him go to the dark side?

I do, yes. It’ll probably go to the wire but it will happen. We haven’t had a player kick off like he has in a long time! As much as I’d like to see a goalscorer like Wissa in the ranks, torching his Brentford links on Instagram means reintegration would be hard, maybe impossible. He was a Brentford hero and he could’ve been a legend, but after something so petulant I don’t think anyone will be sad to see the back of him.

Where do you still need to strengthen?

I think we’re one light in attack, and if I was being really greedy I’d like a defensive midfielder too.

What are your thoughts on new boss Keith Andrews?

I’d convinced myself that we were going to get a sexy continental type in to replace Frank, so at first I was a little underwhelmed. However I’m quickly warming to Andrews. He’s not afraid to make changes when he needs to (the second half at Forest) and appears to have given players like Frank Onyeka and Fabio Carvalho a degree of confidence that they didn’t have previously. He also appears to be getting more comfortable in interviews with each passing day.

Jordan Henderson's return to Sunderland is sure to be an emotional one. How's he done in a Brentford shirt so far?

He brings a level of calm and maturity that is hugely beneficial to the squad. Although Nathan Collins is captain, Hendo has clearly been brought in to provide leadership to younger players like Yehor Yarmoliuk and Yunus Konak. I’m sure he’ll get a warm response from the home fans on Saturday, maybe not after he wins the Battle of the Midfield Generals with Xhaka!

Which Sunderland player worries you the most?

I was going to say Dan Ballard, who seems to give his all at both ends of the pitch when it matters, but I saw he picked up an injury at Turf Moor. Eliezer Mayenda was a punt in my fantasy football team that paid off handsomely and he seems to thrive off the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.

What's your score prediction for the match?

I’d like to say we’ll ride our momentum and nick a result, but I can’t ignore the aforementioned atmosphere and home advantage. So I’ll play it safe and go for a 2-2, but an entertaining game - end to end stuff at times with a couple of worldie goals thrown in for good measure.

Finally, where do you reckon both sides will finish this season?

Brentford have been written off by everybody but I think we’ll be midtable come May, maybe 13th. I think the state of West Ham and Wolves means the promoted teams have got an excellent chance this season, wouldn’t be surprised to see Sunderland finish 16th.