Brentford boss Thomas Frank has highlighted Swansea City's "most impressive" defensive record ahead of their clash at the Liberty Stadium tonight.
Steve Cooper's men entertain the Bees in what promises to be a fascinating clash between two in-form sides. Swansea sit third with half the season gone, while the west Londoners are just behind in fourth.
The teams faced each other in the play-offs last season, with Frank's side coming out on top, but both will have aspirations of going one step further as we head into the second half of the campaign.
Frank has been impressed with Swansea this term, and highlighted their switch to the 3-5-2 formation as the reason behind their impressive run of form.
"I think Swansea City have done very well this season especially since they changed to their new 3-5-2 system," he said.
"They are very well coached and drilled by Steve Cooper; they know exactly what they want offensively and defensively. With their wing-backs they are difficult to close down so they deliver a lot of crosses. They have Jamal Lowe and Andre Ayew who can get on the end of those crosses.
"The most impressive though is their defensive record; they have conceded by far the fewest goals. We know it is very difficult break through a back five with three midfielders in front. They have defensive discipline and know 100 per cent what they want to do. It’s two teams who want to dominate and take control so we’re looking forward to a top match against a very strong opponent."
There were occasions in the two play-off matches last year that saw some frosty moments on the sidelines between the two teams. Swansea weren't particularly impressed with some of the antics from their opponents during those games.
It should add some spice to an already highly-anticipated clash.
Frank says he has the utmost respect for Cooper and his staff and identified similarities between the two in terms of their route into the game.
"We’ve definitely had a similar path with starting in academies and then coaching our national teams at Under-17 level," he said.
"I have the biggest respect for Steve Cooper and his coaching staff. Steve is one of the coaches I speak to once in a while. I wish him all the best, just not tonight!"
The game kicks off at 7pm.
