Brentford vs Sunderland combined XI ahead of Premier League clash - who makes the side
A stats-backed combined XI of Brentford and Sunderland players ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash.
Sunderland travel to Brentford on Wednesday in a clash that is almost impossible to call.
The two sides are locked on 30 points after 20 games, with the Bees just edging into seventh place with a +2 goal difference advantage over the Black Cats. The London clash could have huge ramifications on where the teams finish in the Premier League, but trying to pick a winner is incredibly difficult.
Given how closely-matched the two sides are, we thought it’d be a good idea to take a look at a Brentford vs Sunderland combined XI. But rather than try to pick the team ourselves, we’ve turned to WhoScored’s stats-backed player ratings for help. Only players with 900+ minutes (50%) have been considered.
Brentford vs Sunderland combined XI
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
WhoScored rating: 6.96
Robin Roefs has quite simply been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League so far this season. The Dutchman is first for saves (69) and save percentage (78.2%), and is just one of three goalkeepers with a 100% penalty save success rate - alongside Emi Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma, no less.
Caoimhin Kelleher has been solid for Brentford, but Roefs is operating at a level that makes him a contender for Premier League signing of the season.
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Right-back: Michael Kayode
WhoScored: 6.94
Trai Hume has adjusted well to life in the Premier League, while Nordi Mukiele has performed well at right-back when he’s needed to fill in there. However, Michael Kayode has consistently been among Brentford’s best performers throughout this season. The Italian is first among Brentford players for interceptions (23) and second for chances created, providing relentless energy down the right flank for Keith Andrews’ side.
Centre-back: Nordi Mukiele
WhoScored rating: 7.06
As mentioned, Mukiele has filled in well at right-back so far this season, but his best position has been centre-back. The centre-back’s 66.3% aerial duel success is first among outfield Sunderland players with more than 135 minutes played, while nobody has made more tackles (46) or clearances (109). At the other end, Mukiele has notched a goal and an assist.
Centre-back: Omar Alderete
WhoScored rating: 7.13
Omar Alderete also has a goal and an assist under his belt, while he’s second only to Mukiele for interceptions (22) and clearances (103). But where Mukiele has made three errors leading to shots, Alderete is yet to make one, boosting his rating just above his defensive partner, and above that of Dan Ballard (7.05), Nathan Collins (6.90) and Sepp van den Berg (6.69).
Left-back: Reinildo Mandava
WhoScored rating: 6.76
Reinildo’s red card early in the campaign against Aston Villa has hit his rating somewhat, but he still comes out at a solid 6.76. The former Atletico Madrid man has lost just four of the 24 duels he’s contested vs opposition dribblers this season, while he’s averaged 1.49 interceptions and 2.11 tackles per 90 minutes.
Central midfield: Granit Xhaka
WhoScored rating: 7.17
Granit Xhaka has the highest rating in this XI, which is hardly surprising given the influence he has on Regis Le Bris’ side. The Switzerland international has scored once, while only three players have managed more than his five assists. Among Sunderland players, Xhaka is first in a host of key stats, including final third passes completed (111), blocks (28) and ball carries (669).
Central midfield: Noah Sadiki
WhoScored rating: 6.62
He doesn’t get as much credit, but Noah Sadiki has very much been Xhaka’s partner in crime, blending passing quality and defensive solidity to mop up anything that gets by the former Arsenal man. Sadiki’s 6.62 rating outstrips Brentford rivals such as Jordan Henderson (6.54) and Yehor Yarmoliuk (6.53).
Right wing: Dango Ouattara
WhoScored rating: 6.69
While Sunderland dominate this team defensively, it’s Brentford who command the attacking positions, starting with Dango Ouattara. The former Bournemouth winger has scored three goals in 15 appearances so far and is second among Brentford players for carries into the penalty area (15).
Attacking midfield: Mikkel Damsgaard
WhoScored rating: 6.76
Mikkel Damsgaard has long been a creative hub for this Brentford team, and this season, he’s first at the club for chances created (23) and assists (3), as well as passes into the penalty area (24). The Dane also works hard without the ball, making more final third tackles (8) than any other Brentford player.
Left wing: Kevin Schade
WhoScored rating: 7.02
Kevin Schade’s pace has been a priceless asset for Brentford this season, and he’s used it to attempt the second-highest number of dribbles among his teammates (51), while he’s also second for direct goal involvements, notching six goals and two assists.
Striker: Igor Thiago
WhoScored rating: 7.13
Igor Thiago is the one Brentford player to outperform Schade in that latter stat, fuelled largely by his 14 goals scored so far - only Erling Haaland (19) has more. The Brazilian has been a relentless goalscoring force so far this season, while he’s led the line for the Bees with 52 aerial duels won and 12 fouls won.