Brentford boss Thomas Frank has said the Bees cannot take it for granted as they prepare to host Premier League bottom boys Southampton on Saturday.
While Frank’s men are winless in their last eight league games, registering wins in four of their last six, Southampton have also won just once and lost the other seven.
However, Saints, under the management of Nathan Jones since November, managed cup wins against Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Blackpool last month.
And Frank, whose side are eighth in the table, told a press conference ahead of this weekend’s game at the Gtech Community Stadium: “You can’t take anything for granted in the Premier League.
“The top seven are different beasts but the rest are very good when we play each other. We have to perform well if we want to get three points.”
He added: “I like the anticipation because it means we’ve done something good.
“I love our fans, they were great, but they have to be on it tomorrow, as do the players, so we can create the great atmosphere we usually do at the Gtech.”
There are no fresh injury concerns at Brentford going into the competition.
Shandon Baptiste is back in full training after a groin injury, while Pontus Jansson and Frank Onyeka (both hamstring) are “very close” to being available again but will not feature this weekend, Frank said .
As for forward Kevin Schade, who joined last month from Freiburg on an initial loan, he made his debut from the bench in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth on January 14 and was an unused substitute in the 0-0 draw at Leeds eight days later. , Frank said: “It’s getting better and better.
“We had a good domestic game last Saturday and he was very promising – he scored a few goals and looked sharp. I am satisfied with what I have seen.
“The good thing is that we have good players already playing; Ivan (Toney), Bryan (Mbeumo), (Yoane) Wissa and Keane (Lewis-Potter). But we all know we need some attacking players.”
Frank has also spoken about Sergi Canos, who made this week’s transfer deadline day move to Olympiacos on loan for the rest of the season.
Canos has featured just six times this season in a total of 249 games for Brentford, scoring 36 goals, and Frank said: “He’s left a big, big legacy.
“I know it’s a loan and we’ve got an extra year and all that, but you never know what’s going to happen. Currently, he is at Olympiacos.
“I had a few words for him the last day he was here. For me, it was very emotional. He’s been here for over six years – he’s been here as long as I have – so I know him well. I love Sergi, his personality, and what he brings to the club, it’s great.
“The way he’s in the group is amazing, so it was very emotional for me because I said a few words in front of the players and there was a huge round of applause. It was a nice moment and I hope his journey continues in the best possible way.
“It’s not that we wanted to push him out, we wanted to keep him, but he wanted to try to get more regular minutes. That’s always sad, but that’s life.”