Bees' impeccable home record soon faces massive challenge

The past week has perfectly summarised Brentford's season so far - brilliant at home but struggling away.

The midweek defeat at Aston Villa, which followed the demolition of Leicester, was another disappointing performance on the road, with only one shot on target.

Contrast that with six efforts on target against the Foxes and eight in Saturday's excellent 4-2 win over Newcastle and it seems that the Bees are like a different side when we leave Gtech Community Stadium.

It is really hard to put a finger on the reasons for this contrast. Thomas Frank made more team changes than usual for the Villa and Magpies games, as he carefully managed minutes for certain players.

We still tried to play in the same attacking way on Wednesday, as we always do away, but it was again less effective.

The Bees have the best home record in the Premier League with 22 points from eight games, while our 26 goals scored is nine higher than anyone else.

However, away from home nobody has won fewer points than our solitary one from seven matches, in which we have only found the net five times.

Our home record is really going to be put to the test in January, when we consecutively host Arsenal,Manchester City and Liverpool.

There is no reason why we cannot give all three a run for their money, but it is crucial to sort out our away form in case we do not.

A great place to start would be down the road at Chelsea in a bizarre Sunday evening kick-off, although, given our three previous Premier League wins there, the in-form Blues will be out for revenge.

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external