Brentford v Middlesbrough – Neil Warnock expecting Ivan Toney and Bees forwards to test Boro’s defensive quality

Back on November 23 of that year, the Teessiders – who had conceded just eight goals in their first 17 Championship matches of 2018-19 – were the only side to still boast a single-digit figure in terms of league concessions at that point of the campaign.

This time around, Boro’s leakage of five goals in their opening 10 games is also the best EFL goals against record in 2020-21.

Neil Warnock’s side are undeniably hard to beat, having not seen their colours lowered in the league since defeat on the opening night of the season against Watford at Vicarage Road.

But they face arguably their stiffest examination since against a Brentford side who claimed their first home win over Boro in eight attempts in a 3-2 victory in February.

Spearheading the Bees’ attack is someone who has scored more league goals than the Teessiders this season in Ivan Toney, a player who Boro were previously linked with.

Boro chief Warnock said: “Toney has got 10 goals, that’s more than we have scored.

“But they did pay £10m for him. You have to put things into perspective.

“Their front three are really mobile. I am looking forward to that battle.

“You know they are going to attack at every opportunity and it will show you the weaknesses we have if there are any.”

With an eye on boosting their attacking options, Boro are hopeful of completing a deal to sign free agent winger Duncan Watmore after the forthcoming international break.

Watmore, released from Sunderland after his contract expired in the summer, has spent the last three weeks training with Boro in an attempt to secure a short-term deal on Teesside.

Warnock remains keen on Yannick Bolasie, who almost joined Boro last month and former Hull City winger Kamil Grosicki.

On interest in the pair, the Boro chief commented: “Absolutely, I’d have those two tomorrow. And a few others! They are the type of players I think would benefit from coming with us.”

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