Verburggen: Brentford will test our defensive resilience

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Albion's No1 looking for another clean sheet against the Bees at the Amex.

Luke Nicoli

2026-11-08T05:00+00:00

Bart Verbruggen kept another clean sheet on Thursday against Getafe. 📷James Boardman

Bart Verbruggen believes Albion’s defensive strength will be crucial as the Seagulls prepare to face Brentford at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.

Albion head into the game having recorded seven clean sheets in their past nine games – the latest coming in Thursday night’s 1-0 UEFA Conference League win at Getafe.

It was a game in which the Dutch goalkeeper also maintained a remarkable record of not conceding in any of his eight European appearances for the club, and it’s that defensive organisation which he hopes will keep the high-flying Bees at bay.

“Brentford are very strong defensively, but that is a big quality of ours and we have to continue to call on that,” he said. “That side of the game helps you win football games and Getafe was another example of that.

“They were a good team, but I don’t think they had a lot of clear-cut chances, maybe one in the first half, but the defence did really well and the whole team put in a good effort. If you defend like that, it makes it a little easier to take all the points.”

Albion’s defence had a change in personnel and shape on Thursday night compared to the side which beat Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad last Saturday, yet the outcome remained the same for the rearguard – another clean sheet.

“We all know what to do, we all know our tasks,” Bart added. “We have a lot of quality in the team and we have a very deep squad.

“It’s a big compliment to everyone that we all know the principles, we all know our identity, so changing the team around is not a problem.

“On a personal level, the goalkeeper who plays in the league usually plays in European competition, so I'm happy to be playing. I’m happy to have the trust of the manager and I try to repay him.”

After a demanding run of five away fixtures, Sunday's game will also provide a welcome return to the Amex Stadium, with Verbruggen relishing the opportunity to play in front of the Seagulls supporters again.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at home. Away games are nice and spending time with the boys, but at the end of the day, we want to play in front of our own fans and we are excited to do it.

“Hopefully we can put on another good performance for them.”